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