Chinese Parsley

Chinese Parsley in another common name for 'Cilantro'. It is an invaluable culinary addition to the garden. A staple in Thai, Indian, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine, cilantro is one of the most distinctively flavored herbs. The best salsa always includes fresh cilantro. However, for many it is an acquired taste; it is quite pungent. But most people find the leaves of this plant refreshing. Once hooked, you can't get enough! Chinese Parsley is a short lived annual, plan on replacing it in July or August.

Click here for great cilantro recipes!

Have you had trouble growing Cilantro? Many gardeners get frustated growing this plant because of its tendency to go to flower early. We recommend planting some seed with your plants so that you'll have some young sprouts coming along later to prolong the harvest. Even so it is necessary to keep an eye on this plant and keep it from going to seed as long as possible. As soon as you see flower stocks appear, pinch them out. Eventually you will need to allow it to go to seed, however, because although it is an annual it will come back by reseeding. If you allow the fallen seeds to sprout next season, you'll have a larger crop. You may still want to buy a plant or two to plant early because the seed won't germinate until the soil warms up (usually in May).

The seeds of this plant are known as 'Coriander' which are commonly used in Indian dishes.

Easy to grow. No need to thin, as Cilantro continues to grow well even when sown thickly. For Coriander seed production, thin to stand 2-4” apart. Successive sowings can be done every 2-3 weeks for continual harvest of leaves.

Light/soil require – does best in rich, well-drained soil in full sun. In extreme heat the plants will bolt.

Harvest – Leaves may be harvested once the plants have become established and before flowering begins. Mature seeds are produced about 3 months after planting and are harvested when dry on the plant. 50-55 days to leaf; 90-105 days to seed. 

Height 12 Inches

USDA Hardiness Zone Annual

Characteristics & Attributes for Coriandrum sativum