Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Coriander, Chinese Parsley, Dhania

Description:

Commonly grown in herb gardens for its strong scented foliage and aromatic seeds; remove flower heads to prolong harvest of leaves; dislikes hot summers and humidity

Edible Qualities

Cilantro is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities. The fragrant ferny pinnately compound green leaves are usually harvested from early to late summer. The leaves have a savory taste.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Cooking
• Seasoning
• Sauces

Planting & Growing

Cilantro will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant is typically grown in a designated herb garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

Cilantro is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.