Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. It is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, which is described as citrusy, earthy, and slightly peppery. Cilantro plants grow to a height of 12-24 inches and have delicate, lacy leaves. The leaves are used for culinary purposes, such as in salsa, guacamole, and curries. The seeds, known as coriander, are also used in cooking. Cilantro prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It is a fast-growing plant that is easy to grow from seed.
Planning Your Garden With Cilantro
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Cilantro is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Cilantro is a hardy annual herb that can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Cilantro does best in cool seasons, and can usually tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest cilantro is about 40-50 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown cilantro plant is 12-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Cilantro prefers a spacing of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) between plants. |
| Sun tolerance | Cilantro is a sun-loving plant and does best in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not grow as vigorously. |
| Shade tolerance | Cilantro is a relatively shade-tolerant plant, but it does best in full sun. It can tolerate some light shade, but it will not produce as much foliage or as many flowers in partial shade. |
| Water requirements | Cilantro prefers moist soil and consistent watering. It should be watered about once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, as cilantro does not tolerate drought well. It is best to water cilantro in the morning, so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing cilantro depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 should be applied at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing cilantro is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Cilantro is Popular
People enjoy growing cilantro because it is a flavorful herb that adds a unique flavor to a variety of dishes. It is also relatively easy to grow and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Cilantro is a great addition to salads, sauces, and soups, and can be used to garnish dishes as well.
Companion Plants For Cilantro
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for cilantro include:
Common Pests For Cilantro
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow cilantro, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
