Botanical profile

Coriander

Latin name
Coriandrum sativum
Common name
Coriander
Type
Annual
Family
Apiaceae

Cilantro is an annual herb highly valued for its fresh, finely cut, and very fragrant foliage, with a distinctive, slightly lemony taste. It is indispensable in Mexican, Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, where it accompanies salsas, tacos, curries, soups, salads, marinades, rice dishes, fresh sauces, and summer recipes. Its light foliage also adds a beautiful texture to vegetable gardens, herb beds, edible planters, and containers near the kitchen.

Easy to grow, cilantro prefers a sunny to slightly semi-shaded location, in light, fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to keep its foliage tender, especially during hot periods. As it can quickly bolt (go to flower) in hot weather, it is recommended to sow or plant successively to extend the harvest. Growing it in soft sun or partial shade can also help slow down bolting during the summer.

Very versatile, cilantro also offers aromatic seeds, called coriander seeds, used as a spice in marinades, breads, spice blends, stews, and canning recipes. Its flowering attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a useful plant in a biodiverse vegetable garden. It is an essential herb for gardeners looking for a fresh, productive, flavorful, and easy-to-integrate plant in a culinary garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic edible foliage and fragrant seeds in cooking
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, fresh cooking
Container growing
Excellent in containers in well-drained soil
Seasonal care
Sow successively to prolong the harvest; harvest young leaves; let some plants go to seed if desired
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool soil
Fertilization
Light compost for sowing; avoid excess nitrogen
Soil type
Light, fertile, cool, well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
32 °F
Propagation method
Direct drilling
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
White to pale pink
Fruiting
Edible aromatic seeds
Foliage color
Light green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Light, upright, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Width
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, lettuces, radishes, dill
Plants to avoid
Fennel
Spacing
15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn; seeds in summer
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.