Planting advice for the USA & Canada, Zone 8a

January: Do not grow.

February: Do not grow.

March: Start undercover in seed trays.

April: Transplant 4-6 week old seedlings.

May: Do not grow.

June: Do not grow.

July: Do not grow.

August: Do not grow.

September: Plant seed directly into garden.

October: Do not grow.

November: Do not grow.

December: Do not grow.

Space Plants: 15cm (6") apart.

Harvest In: 5-7 weeks.

Grows Best With: Asparagus, Ginger, Green Beans, Peas, Tomatillos, Tomatoes.

Avoid Growing With: Carrots, Parsnips.

Planting Cilantro

Cilantro seeds (more commonly known as the spice coriander) are in fact a hard "husk" with two seeds inside, and should be soaked for 24-48 hours to help with germination. Once the seeds have dried, plant seeds 0.5cm (1/4") deep, 5cm (2") apart with 25cm (10") between rows. Cilantro prefers light, well-draining soil, and prefers full sun but also thrives when shaded during the hottest part of the day. Cilantro is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and bolts to seed quickly, so plant after your last frost date and avoid growing in the summer heat.

Growing Cilantro

Once the seedlings reach 5cm (2") tall, thin them to allow 15cm (6") between each plant. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and fertilise with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser once every 2-3 weeks to encourage strong leaf growth.

Harvesting Cilantro

Thinned seedlings have plenty of flavour, and can be used in cooking. As soon as cilantro is 15cm (6") tall, it can be harvested for its leaves. Cut off leaves as needed, prioritising the older leaves to encourage new growth and discourage bolting. After the plant sends up a seed head, coriander can be harvested from it 2-3 weeks after it flowers, which should then be split in half and dried.

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