Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Santo is a slow-bolting selection grown for its leaves. Like the leaves and seeds, the flowers are also edible. NOTE: We test all our cilantro/coriander lots for the presence of Pseudomonas. Attracts Beneficial Insects: if allowed to flower, provides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects such as, bees, hoverflies, and tachinid flies.Edible Flowers: Use them raw because the flavor fades quickly when cooked. Sprinkle to taste on salads, bean dishes, chicken, and spicy Southwestern dishes. Flavor is of mild cilantro.
Harvest
50-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Cilantro in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 herb →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Cilantro · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | — | April – December |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Coriander seeds ripen in round, yellow-brown pod
Color: Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow. Length: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are edible. Leaves/flowers as an herb and seeds (Coriander) as a spice.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cilantro leaves are extremely perishable and best used within 3-5 days of harvest. Store unwashed leaves in the refrigerator by placing stems in a glass of water and covering loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water every 2-3 days. Alternatively, wrap clean, dry leaves in slightly damp paper towels and store in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
For longer preservation, freezing works better than drying since cilantro loses most of its flavor when dried. Freeze whole leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil, or chop and freeze in small portions using freezer bags. The texture changes but flavor remains intact for cooking applications.
Consider making cilantro paste by blending leaves with a small amount of oil and freezing in ice cube trays. This method preserves color and flavor beautifully for up to six months and works perfectly for adding to soups, curries, and marinades.
History & Origin
Origin: Western Mediterranean, Southern Europe, Western Asia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Humidity
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Predatory Insects
- +Wildlife value: Larval host plant to swallow-tailed butterflies
- +Edible: Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are edible. Leaves/flowers as an herb and seeds (Coriander) as a spice.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Spinach
Provides shade for cilantro in hot weather, preventing early bolting
Chives
Repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack cilantro
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps
Anise
Improves cilantro germination and growth when planted nearby
Tomatoes
Cilantro repels spider mites and aphids that damage tomato plants
Lettuce
Both prefer cool conditions and lettuce provides ground cover
Carrots
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects that prey on carrot fly
Peas
Nitrogen fixation by peas benefits cilantro growth
Keep Apart
Fennel
Inhibits cilantro growth through allelopathic compounds
Lavender
Requires different watering needs and may compete for nutrients
Rosemary
Prefers dry conditions while cilantro needs consistent moisture
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169997)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, leaf miners
Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, damping off