Botanical profile

Mexican coriander

Latin name
Eryngium foetidum
Common name
Mexican coriander
Type
Tropical aromatic herb
Family
Apiaceae

Mexican coriander is a tropical aromatic plant much appreciated for its long, serrated, and strongly perfumed foliage, whose flavor is reminiscent of classic cilantro, but with a much more pronounced intensity. It is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean, Asian, and South American cuisine to flavor salsas, soups, marinades, rice dishes, sauces, curries, tacos, and spicy recipes. Its decorative and original foliage integrates very well into herb pots, urban vegetable gardens, edible planters, and containers near the kitchen.

Easy to grow in the warm season, Mexican coriander prefers a warm, bright location, slightly protected from scorching sun, in rich, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular moisture, without excessive watering, to produce tender and very aromatic leaves. Unlike traditional cilantro, it tolerates heat better and bolts less quickly, making it an excellent alternative for extending the harvest during the summer. It grows very well in pots, on a terrace, a balcony, or in a sunny to partially shaded vegetable garden.

Very productive and full of character, Mexican coriander is ideal for gardeners looking for a robust, flavorful, and different herb. Its leaves are used fresh, often finely chopped, as their scent is powerful and concentrated. It is a perfect plant to enrich a gourmet garden with an exotic touch, while adding an intense flavor to fresh, spicy, and summer recipes.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic foliage with an intense coriander flavor and heat resistance
Vegetable garden, herbs, balcony, container, Mexican, Asian and Caribbean cuisine
Container growing
Excellent in containers in well-drained pots
Seasonal care
Harvest outer leaves as needed; cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production; protect from cold
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil slightly moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average to high humidity; prefers cool, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Compost at sowing; light and regular fertilization in pots
Soil type
Fertile, cool, moist, but well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
10°C
Propagation method
Sowing
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall
Flower color
Pale green to white
Fruiting
End-of-season aromatic seeds
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Hardy in warm climates
Shape
Basal rosette of elongated, toothed leaves
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
20 to 45 cm (8 to 18 inches)
Width
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, chili peppers, Thai basil, onions
Plants to avoid
Fennel
Spacing
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to autumn leaves
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.