Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

By / May 24, 2025
Cilantro Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Datasheet

Common Name: Cilantro (leaves), Coriander (seeds)

Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum

Family: Apiaceae

Origin: Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe

Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–11

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; requires 6–8 hours of sunlight daily

Water Needs: Moderate; approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week

Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile loamy or sandy soil with pH between 6.2 and 6.8

"Ponics" Compatibility:

  • Aquaponics: Fairly compatible

  • Aeroponics: Fairly compatible

  • Hydroponics: Fairly compatible

  • Preferred Method: Deep Water Culture (DWC) and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); requires temperature control to prevent bolting

Growth Habit: Upright annual herb

Height & Spread: Height: 10–24 inches (25–60 cm); Spread: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm)

Time from Germination to Harvest: Leaves: 30–45 days; Seeds: 90–120 days

Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer

Edible Parts: Leaves, stems, seeds, and roots

Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory issues, and urinary complaints

Companion Plants: Legumes (e.g., beans, peas), potatoes, and lupines

Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to aphids and fungal diseases like Septoria leaf spot; crop rotation and proper spacing recommended

Harvest Time: Harvest leaves before flowering; seeds when they turn brown. Store leaves in a jar with water in the refrigerator for up to a few days; seeds can be dried and stored in airtight containers

Propagation Methods: Primarily by seed; seeds germinate in 7–21 days. Direct sowing recommended due to sensitivity to transplanting

Sustainability Features: Attracts beneficial insects; can act as a trap crop for aphids; contributes to soil health when used in crop rotation

Culinary Uses: Leaves used in salsas, curries, and salads; seeds used in spice blends, pickling, and baking; roots used in Thai cuisine

Fun Fact: Coriander seeds are one of the key botanicals used to flavor gin

Santo (Coriandrum sativum 'Santo')

  • Flavor Profile: Classic cilantro flavor with a hint of citrus.

  • Culinary Uses: Widely used in Mexican and Asian cuisines; leaves for fresh dishes, seeds for spices.

  • Notes: Slow to bolt; suitable for warmer climates.

Calypso (Coriandrum sativum 'Calypso')

  • Flavor Profile: Mild and sweet.

  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for salads and garnishes.

  • Notes: Slow-bolting variety; good for extended leaf harvest.

Confetti (Coriandrum sativum 'Confetti')

  • Flavor Profile: Milder than common cilantro.

  • Culinary Uses: Decorative garnishes; subtle flavor addition.

  • Notes: Finely divided, dill-like foliage; unique appearance.

Delfino (Coriandrum sativum 'Delfino')

  • Flavor Profile: Similar to standard cilantro.

  • Culinary Uses: Garnishes and salads.

  • Notes: Fern-like leaves; ornamental appeal.

Leisure (Coriandrum sativum 'Leisure')

  • Flavor Profile: Traditional cilantro taste.

  • Culinary Uses: Versatile; used in various dishes.

  • Notes: Slow to bolt; reliable for continuous harvest.

Long Standing (Coriandrum sativum 'Long Standing')

  • Flavor Profile: Robust and aromatic.

  • Culinary Uses: Suitable for cooking and fresh use.

  • Notes: Resists bolting; extended harvesting period.

Marino (Coriandrum sativum 'Marino')

  • Flavor Profile: Spicy and intense.

  • Culinary Uses: Adds depth to dishes.

  • Notes: Strong leaf growth; high yield.

Moroccan (Coriandrum sativum 'Moroccan')

  • Flavor Profile: Bold and citrusy.

  • Culinary Uses: Common in Moroccan cuisine.

  • Notes: Early flowering; good for seed production.

Pokey Joe (Coriandrum sativum 'Pokey Joe')

  • Flavor Profile: Rich and complex.

  • Culinary Uses: Enhances flavor in various recipes.

  • Notes: Slow to bolt; rare variety.

Rak Tamachat (Coriandrum sativum 'Rak Tamachat')

  • Flavor Profile: Mild and pleasant.

  • Culinary Uses: Suitable for fresh consumption.

  • Notes: Large leaves; collected from Thailand.

Standby (Coriandrum sativum 'Standby')

  • Flavor Profile: Traditional cilantro flavor.

  • Culinary Uses: Versatile in cooking.

  • Notes: Cold-hardy; suitable for fall sowing.

Sunmaster (Coriandrum sativum 'Sunmaster')

  • Flavor Profile: Classic cilantro taste.

  • Culinary Uses: Used in various cuisines.

  • Notes: Heat-tolerant; slow to bolt.

Caribe (Coriandrum sativum 'Caribe')

  • Flavor Profile: Strong and pungent.

  • Culinary Uses: Ideal for robust dishes.

  • Notes: High leaf yield; vigorous growth.

Dwarf Lemon (Coriandrum sativum 'Dwarf Lemon')

  • Flavor Profile: Lemony aroma.

  • Culinary Uses: Adds citrus notes to dishes.

  • Notes: Compact growth; suitable for containers.

Cilantro Macho (Coriandrum sativum var. vulgare)

  • Flavor Profile: Bold and intense.

  • Culinary Uses: Enhances spicy dishes.

  • Notes: Robust variety; higher heat tolerance.

Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum

  • Flavor Profile: Traditional coriander seed flavor.

  • Culinary Uses: Seed production; spices.

  • Notes: Smaller seeds; grown in cooler climates.

Coriandrum sativum var. macrocarpum

  • Flavor Profile: Traditional coriander seed flavor.

  • Culinary Uses: Seed production; spices.

  • Notes: Larger seeds; suited for warmer climates.

Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata)

  • Flavor Profile: Spicy and peppery.

  • Culinary Uses: Common in Southeast Asian dishes.

  • Notes: Not a true cilantro; perennial in warm climates.

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum)

  • Flavor Profile: Stronger than cilantro.

  • Culinary Uses: Used in Caribbean and Asian cuisines.

  • Notes: Heat-tolerant; different species from cilantro.

Papalo (Porophyllum ruderale)

  • Flavor Profile: Bold and complex.

  • Culinary Uses: Mexican dishes; salsas.

  • Notes: Distinct from cilantro; thrives in hot weather.

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