Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs to add to any dish and I always double it in my recipes for pico de gallo, salsa and soups. If you, like me, notice a craving for this refreshing herb during the warmer months it may be because of its cooling properties, another reason why it pairs so well with salsa and spicy foods. I have always struggled to grow a good crop of cilantro but "If at first (and second, and third...) you don't succeed, try, try again!"
Seed Starting and Propagation
Start seeds outdoors after the last frost date, cilantro does not transplant well. Plant 6” apart or 1 per square foot in part shade, poke a hole in the soil about ½ “ and place in seed. Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest into summer.
Care
Cilantro likes moist soil so water weekly or more if needed, it will bolt when the temperatures get too high. You can try planting it in the shade during the summer months and see what happens!
Companion Planting
Repels aphids so planting next to aphid problem plants will help keep them at bay.
Harvesting and Preserving
Start picking outer leaves any time after the plant is 6” tall.. The more you cut the more new growth you will have and less likely chance of it bolting. This is one plant that is best fresh, it does not preserve well, except maybe freezing.
Seed Saving
This is a two for one plant, giving you yummy cilantro in spring and early summer and coriander seeds once the plant has bolted. Let the plant bolt, turn brown and produce the coriander seeds, cut off heads and place in a paper bag to finish drying, then shake out. You can also leave them on the plant to drop seed for a fall harvest.
Nutrients and Healing Properties
Cooling plant that aids digestion, relieves nausea, gas, bloating, and upset stomach. Coriander is high in carotene, calcium, protein, vitamin B1, niacin and minerals.
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