Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (1897) / Public Domain
herb
Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsleaves, stems, seeds, roots
Overview
A fast-growing herb with two distinct culinary lives: fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander). Cool-weather lover that bolts in heat — succession planting every 3 weeks ensures continuous fresh harvest. A polarizing flavor (genetic — some taste soap), but indispensable in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones2 — 11
Height0.5m
Spread0.2m
Growth HabitUpright annual
LifespanAnnual
Bloom ColorWhite to pale pink
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6.2 — 6.8
Soil TypeLight, well-drained, moderately fertile
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after last frost; bolts in heat — succession sow every 3 weeks |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Pick outer leaves; let inner growth continue; harvest seeds (coriander) when brown |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jun | Sow as soon as soil is workable; prefers cool weather |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Sep | Cut whole plants at base before they bolt for largest harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Sow in spring and again in fall; bolts quickly in summer heat |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing produces fresh harvests through autumn |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Spring harvest before bolting; let some go to seed for coriander |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Fall harvest after summer heat passes |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Plant late winter / early spring; not heat tolerant |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall and winter crop in mild climates |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — May | Harvest in cool months; self-seeds readily |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Feb (wraps) | Cool-season crop; only grows in winter months |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Mar (wraps) | Winter harvest; plants bolt rapidly when weather warms |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh leaves in salsas, guacamole, curries, and noodle soups
- Dried seeds (coriander) in baking, spice blends, and pickling
- Roots used in Thai cooking for curry pastes
Medicinal
- Traditionally used to aid digestion
- Studied for heavy-metal chelation properties
Other Uses
- Excellent pollinator plant when allowed to flower
- Attracts beneficial predatory wasps
