Growing Cilantro and Coriander: A Complete Guide Cilantro and coriander are two forms of the same plant, Coriandrum sativum, but they're harvested at different stages. Understanding the difference and how to grow them will help you enjoy fresh herbs and flavorful seeds year-round. What's the Difference? The leafy green herb you use in salads, salsas, and curries is called cilantro. When you allow the plant to mature and produce seeds, those dried seeds are coriander—a warm spice used in cooking and baking. It's the same plant, just at different life stages. Growing Cilantro for Fresh Leaves Cilantro prefers cool weather and grows best in spring and fall. Plant seeds directly in the garden or containers about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Seeds typically sprout within 7 to 10 days. For best results, choose a location with partial shade during hot months—this slows bolting and extends your harvest window. Cilantro is ready to pick in about 3 to 4 weeks. Pinch off leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth, or harvest entire stems as needed. Harvesting Coriander Seeds If you want to harvest coriander seeds, let your cilantro plant mature fully. Stop harvesting leaves and allow the plant to flower. Small white or pale pink flowers will appear, followed by round seed pods. When the pods turn brown and dry, cut the entire seed head and hang it upside down in a paper bag. Seeds will drop as they dry. Store them in an airtight container away from light and heat. Growing Tips Plant cilantro every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest Water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil Cilantro bolts quickly in heat—plant in cooler seasons or provide afternoon shade Both cilantro and coriander grow well in containers Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart for better air circulation Whether you're growing cilantro for fresh herbs or waiting for coriander seeds to mature, this versatile plant is a rewarding addition to any garden. In Summary Cilantro is the most popular leafy aromatic herb with a tangy citrusy-parsley-like flavor, used in Latin and Asian cuisines. Coriander is the dried seed, whole or powdered, with an earthy, floral flavor used as a spice in Indian cuisine. Grow it just for the seeds or the tiny pinkish flowers, which are quite sweet. Cilantro prefers cool weather, and this slow-bolt variety will tolerate a bit more heat, putting out more leaves for a longer time before it starts bolting out tasty flowers and Coriander seeds. Leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and root of this fast-growing herb are all edible. It also likes shady spots, so a good one to grow indoors. Citrusy-parsley-like flavor All parts are edible Grows 1'-2' tall Good for indoor gardens As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, carrot rust fly, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, potato beetles, and spider mites. As a medicinal herb, Coriander has been used internally to treat anxiety, arthritis, bad breath, colic, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea, nervousness, pain, stomach cramps, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and externally to treat rheumatism, headache, joint pain, and tired eyes. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. Good companion plants: Anise, Asparagus, Basil, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Chervil, Collards, Cumin, Dill, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lemongrass, Lettuce, Mint, Mustard, Oregano, Parsley, Parsnip, Pea, Potato, Rutabaga, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip, Zucchini More facts about Cilantro/Coriander: This slow-bolting strain is grown primarily for its broad, deep green, celery-like, pungent foliage. Used in Oriental and Mexican cuisine. Use seed to flavor meats, pickles and baked goods. Coriander contains antioxidants. It has also been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia. Coriander has also been documented as a traditional treatment for diabetes. 📚 Cilantro Grow Guide See Cilantro/Coriander Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Cilantro on Pinterest.
