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Crop Guide – Cilantro

Common Name Cilantro/Coriander
Scientific Name Coriandrum sativm

Uses Edible; Leaves used fresh or dried as an herb seasoning; Seeds (coriander) used as a spice.

Crop Timeline

  • Transplants: Start seeds 6 weeks before transplanting
    • Spring Planting: Late February – Mid March
    • Fall Planting: Mid-late September

Planting tips

  • Be careful not to damage taproot when transplanting
  • Fertilizer: Use a slow-release, organic fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen
  • Number of plants per square foot: 1
  • Growing structures: None
  • Frost protection: Season extenders can be used to prolong the harvest of cilantro leaves.

Harvest

  • Harvest leaves 45-70 days from sowing
    • Harvest outer leaves when they are 4-6 inches long.
    • Pinch fresh leaves as needed when plants are thriving.
    • As with most culinary herbs, cilantro is best picked early in the morning just as the dew evaporates.
    • Remove flower bud to prolong leaf harvest.
  • Harvest seed pods 90 days after planting
    • Seed pods will be a light brown color; plant is mostly dried, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering.

Pests 

  • None significant in the school garden

This crop guide information has been tailored to school garden use, particularly for Plant Hardiness Zone 7. Other resources you find may be different based on efficiencies of larger scale production systems or maximum harvest yield. If you have questions, feel free to contact Doug Vernon or your local Cooperative Extension office.