Coriander: Leisure (Coriandrum sativum)

SKU:

$1.00

$1.00 - $5.60

$1.00

Unavailable

per item

The coriander plant, whose leaves are known as cilantro, is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Easter countries; it is believed to be one of the earliest spices used by man. Early physicians such as Hippocrates used coriander primarily as an aromatic stimulant or to disguise the taste of unsavory medicines. Nearly every part of this herb has a culinary use; in Thai cuisine, the roots flavor spicy sauces, while the cilantro leaves season and garnish Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mexican dishes. The coriander seed is used in candy, specialty breads, sauces, desserts, and even perfumes. In Tudor England, coriander seeds coated with sugar were known as "comfits" and became a popular treat.

Quantity

Add to Cart

General Information
Soil Preparation & Start Indoors
Transplant Outdoors and Start Outdoors
Crop Care
Harvesting & Storage
Seed Saving
Culinary & Medicinal
Companion Planting
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Other Uses

Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum

Native Range: Southern Europe and the Western Mediterranean

Ease of Growing: Moderate

Also Known As: Cilantro, Chinese Parsley, Indian Parsley

Grown as: Annual

Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 30-65 days, Fall/Winter 45-65 days, Seasonal bloomer.

Hardiness: Half Hardy. Cilantro is a tender annual that is sensitive to the heat of summer, but can handle a light frost.

Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring

Growing Season: Short, Long

Growing Conditions: Cool. Cilantro doesn't like heat and bolts quickly once the weather warms up. It does best in the cool weather of spring or early fall. In mild winter areas it may continue to grow right through the winter. It can also be sown in autumn for an early spring crop.

Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 75°F

Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 40°F

Start Indoors: Yes

Start Outdoors: Yes

Light: Full sun to part shade. Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool)

Water: Medium. Cilantro needs to be watered regularly, but not to the point where the soil becomes soggy.

Feeder: Light

Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Needs summer shade

Small Gardens?: Yes

Containers?: Yes. Cilantro does quite well in containers. Choose a shallow pot at least 18" wide, with a depth of 8 to 10" and fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage by choosing one with drainage holes. Water thoroughly and place in full sun. Make sure to keep the soil moist.

Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes

Maintenance: Low

Forage: Rabbits.

Plant Height: 24-36"

Spacing: 6-12"

Sow Depth: 1/4-1/2"

Hardiness Zone: 3-11

Produces: flavorful leaves over a longer period.

Garden Uses: Herb gardens. Containers.

Soil Preparation

Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5, Ideal 6.5-6.8
Cilantro will grow best in well fertilized soil that drains well, as long as the soil does not get too warm, which will cause it to bolt.

Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., before sowing, 1 time: Incorporate 5 pounds of standard mix per 100 square feet of garden space before sowing. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:

4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)

Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.

Start Indoors

Seed Sowing Depth: 0.25" to 0.5". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and 1/2" deep in warm soil.

Soil temp for germination: 55°F to 75°F, optimal 60°F to 65°F, optimal 65°F

Total weeks to grow transplant: 4 to 9 (Spring/Summer), 6 to 9 (Fall/Winter)

Germinate:
4-6 weeks before last frost date: While Cilantro is easiest to grow outdoors, you can still start some early indoors to get a jump start on the growing season, or if pests are affecting your Cilantro seedlings when directly sown.

1. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in flats or individual containers. Keep the soil moist during germination.

Harden Off: on last frost date. Place seedlings outdoors every day to allow them to acclimate to outdoor temperatures. Each day, extend the amount of time they are left outside. This will "harden them off."

Transplant Outdoors

0-2 weeks after last frost date: Be careful during transplanting; Cilantro does not transplant well.

When: When plants are 2" tall.

How: Transplant seedlings 3 - 4" apart.

Cool: Cilantro doesn't like heat and bolts quickly once the weather warms up. It does best in the cool weather of spring or early fall. In mild winter areas it may continue to grow right through the winter. It can also be sown in autumn for an early spring crop.

When outdoor temp: 40°F to 75°F, optimal temp 50°F to 60°F

When min soil temp: 40°F

Spacing: 6.0"-12.0", 4 plants per sq ft. Plant cilantro 6 to 8" apart if you intend to harvest the leaves, and 12" apart if growing the plants for coriander seeds.

Support: No

Start Outdoors

When Cool: Cilantro doesn't like heat and bolts quickly once the weather warms up. It does best in the cool weather of spring or early fall. In mild winter areas it may continue to grow right through the winter. It can also be sown in autumn for an early spring crop.

When outdoor temp: 40°F to 75°F, optimal temp 50°F to 60°F

When min soil temp: 40°F

Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.5". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and 1/2" deep in warm soil.

Spacing: 6.0"-12.0", 4 plants per sq ft. Plant cilantro 6 to 8" apart if you intend to harvest the leaves, and 12" apart if growing the plants for coriander seeds.

Spring Crop: 2-3 weeks after last frost date. Direct sow seeds when soil is 55˚F. Sow seeds 1 - 2" apart, and sprinkle with 1/2" of soil.

Support: No

Cilantro will do well in any garden soil that is fertile, well-drained and moisture retentive. It likes full sun.

Water Needs: Moderate. Cilantro needs to be watered regularly, but not to the point where the soil becomes soggy.

Fertilizer Needs: Light. Because cilantro grows so quickly it is best to include fertilizer when preparing the soil for planting. It is not necessary to fertilize the plant once it has begun growing.

Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5 inch(es), regularly, 2 times a week. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist but never soggy for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Thinning, when 3" tall: 6", when 3" tall, 1 time. Thin seedlings to a final spacing of 6 - 8" for leaves, or 9 - 12" for seeds.

Support: No

Harvesting

Ripening: Specifically bred for leaf production, Slow Bolt is slower to bolt as it warms up. To have a constant supply of fresh leaves, sow every 2 to 3 weeks. Keep cilantro at its leafy stage longer by keeping plants well watered, being careful to thin seedlings early.

When and How:
Cut & Come Again, 1-35 days after maturity: You can begin harvesting leaves when the plant is 3" tall.

Seed Pods, 30-55 days after maturity: After the plant has flowered, created seed pods, and dried up, you can remove the pods and use the seeds for flavoring. Simply cut the plants and put them in papers bags. To harvest the seeds, shake the bags till the seeds fall off the plant into the bag.

Storage

After you have finished drying the seeds, you can store them in your kitchen. Keep them with your other herbs and spices in a airtight jar.

Storage Req: Drying, Warm
Storage Temp: 55-75°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days

Chop leaves and place into ice cube trays. Then fill the tray with water and freeze. When ready to use, take the cube out of the tray and thaw in a plastic bag. It will be a little mushy if stored this way, but is good for adding to other dishes.

Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-90 days

Cilantro should be used as quickly as possible. Store in a plastic bag in the fridge, and sprinkle with water daily to keep tender leaves hydrated.

Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days

If left alone this insect-pollinated plant will eventually produce seed and may even self-sow. There aren't many varieties, so you probably don't have to worry too much about cross-pollination.

Gather the seed heads as the seeds start to turn brown and leave them to dry in a paper bag in a warm place.

Seed Viability in Years: 2-4 Years
Germination Percentage: 70%

Culinary

Taste: Deliciously spicy, essential for Mexican and Asian dishes.

Culinary Use:
Leaves: raw or cooked. They are used as a flavoring in salads, soups etc and the fresh leaves are probably the most widely used flavoring herb in the world. The leaves have an aromatic flavor. The leaves should not be eaten in large quantities. The fresh leaves contain about 0.012% oxalic acid and 0.172% calcium.

Seed: cooked. It is used as a flavoring in many dishes including cakes, bread and curries, it is also widely used to flavor certain alcoholic liquors. The fresh seed has a disagreeable and nauseous smell, but when dried it becomes fragrant, the longer it is kept the more fragrant it becomes. An essential oil from the seed is used as a food flavoring.

Root: The root is powdered and used as a condiment.

Medicinal

Coriander is a commonly used domestic remedy, valued especially for its effect on the digestive system, treating flatulence, diarrhoea and colic. It settles spasms in the gut and counters the effects of nervous tension. The seed is aromatic, carminative, expectorant, narcotic, stimulant and stomachic. It is most often used with active purgatives in order to disguise their flavor and combat their tendency to cause gripe. The raw seed is chewed to stimulate the flow of gastric juices and to cure foul breath and will sweeten the breath after garlic has been eaten. Some caution is advised, however, because if used too freely the seeds become narcotic. Externally the seeds have been used as a lotion or have been bruised and used as a poultice to treat rheumatic pains. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Appetite stimulant".

Source

Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Companion Planting

Allies: Coriander is reputed to help the germination and growth of anise. The pungent smell of its foliage may help deter aphids from nearby crops.

Companions: Interplant coriander anywhere in the garden. Its abundant blossoms increase the population of visiting beneficial insects. Coriander makes a good companion for biennial caraway because of their complementary growth habits.

Enemies: Some companion gardeners think that coriander inhibits seed formation in fennel.

Problems

Potential insect pests include grasshoppers, leafhoppers and cabbage loopers.

Grasshoppers

Beneficial insects such as Spiders and Soldier Beetles prey on grasshoppers.

Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, cabbage looper, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, and fruit flies.

To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, and mulch for predatory spiders.

Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.

Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.

Leafhoppers

Beneficial insects such as Assassin Bugs and Green Lacewings prey on leafhoppers.

Assassin Bugs: Prey on Aphids, leafhoppers, asparagus beetle eggs and larvae, small flying insects, and up to medium-sized caterpillars.

To attract Assassin Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Most garden plants, field crops, ornamental trees and shrubs. Spined assassin bugs are often found on goldenrod and other wildflowers.

Green Lacewings: Prey on aphids, whitefly, leafhopper, mealybugs, and caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, and Dandelion.

Cabbage Loopers

Beneficial insects such as lady beetles, spiders, pirate bugs, wasps, birds and small mammals prey on Cabbage Loopers.

Ladybeetles, Ladybugs, or Ladybird Beetles: Ladybeetles are probably the most well-known of beetles that eat aphids. There are many species, and both the adults and larvae eat aphids. Convergent lady beetles and the seven-spotted ladybeetles are abundant species in the environment. Eggs are found in clutches, yellow and football shaped. Larvae have an alligator-like appearance, and are black with orange markings. Pupae are sedentary. Ladybeetles are commercially available but purchasing is not generally recommended since the adult stage tends to fly away once released. Introductions may be more effective in greenhouses and high tunnels. Diverse plantings can help recruit resident ladybeetles to an area.

To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos,
Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.

Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, cabbage looper, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, and mulch for predatory spiders.

Minute Pirate Bugs: Minute pirate bugs are very small (~1/12 inch long) predators that are difficult to see without a hand lens or jeweler’s loupe. They are generalist predators that feed on small insect prey. Both the nymphs and adults are predaceous. The adults are identified by the black and white color and an X pattern across the back. The nymphs are tiny and red to orange in color. Minute pirate bugs are commercially available.

To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Nutrition

Cilantro contains antioxidants as well as antibacterial properties. Coriander seeds have been used in folk medicine for anxiety and digestion problems, and may be beneficial for improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The Health Benefits of Coriander

The health benefits of coriander include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation , high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care.

Coriander, commonly known as Dhania in the Indian Subcontinent and Cilantro in the Americas and some parts of Europe, is an herb that is extensively used around the world as a condiment, garnish, or decoration on culinary dishes. Its scientific name is Coriandrum Sativum L. Its leaves and fruits have a recognizable and pleasant aroma and are commonly used raw or dried for culinary applications.

Skin inflammation: Cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and linoleic acid, are both present in coriander, and they possess antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties. They help to reduce the swelling that is caused by these two conditions. For other swelling conditions, such as swelling due to kidney malfunction or anemia, it is also seen to be effective to some extent, because some of the components in coriander help the induce urination and the release of excess water from the body. The reduction in skin inflammation can lead to increased functioning, a reduction in discomfort, and an improvement in skin appearance.

Skin disorders: The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections.

Low cholesterol levels: Some of the acids present in coriander, like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) are very effective in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. They also reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins, which can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like artherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. More importantly, coriander helps to raise the levels of healthy cholesterol (HDL), which works as a preventative line of defense against a number of dangerous conditions.

Diarrhea: Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene & beta-phelandrene have antibacterial effects.

Coriander is also increasingly popular as a means of preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Its wealth of bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being discovered in this power-packed plant.

In addition to these health aspects of the stomach, fresh coriander leaves are excellent appetizers to get your bowels prepared for a large meal.

Blood pressure: Consuming coriander has been shown to positively reduce blood pressure in many patients suffering from hypertension. The interaction of Calcium ions and cholinergic, a neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous system, more commonly know as acetylcholine. The interaction of these two elements relaxes blood vessel tension, thereby reducing the chances of a number of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.

Mouth ulcers: Citronelol, a component of essential oils in coriander, is an excellent antiseptic. Additionally, other components have antimicrobial and healing effects which keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth from worsening. They help speed up the healing process of ulcers and also freshen breath. Although not in common use in mainstream products, coriander is often used as an antiseptic component of all-natural toothpastes. In fact, before the invention of toothpaste, people would chew on coriander seeds to reduce bad breath!

Anemia: Coriander is high in iron content, which directly helps people who suffer from anemia. Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in cognitive functions. Iron also benefits proper functions of other organ systems, increases energy and strength, and promotes the health of bones.

Anti-allergic properties: Multiple studies have shown coriander to have strong anti-histamine properties that can reduce the uncomfortable affects of seasonal allergies and hay fever (rhinitis). Coriander oil can also be used to reduce allergic reactions to contact with plants, insects, food, and other substances that may cause allergic reactions on the skin or when consumed. Internally, it can ward off anaphylaxis, hives, and dangerous swelling of the throat and glands. It’s never a bad idea to protect yourself against allergic reactions, especially since it is difficult to know what you might be allergic to, until you come in contact with it for the first time!

Salmonella protection: Salmonella is one of the most dangerous causes of food borne illnesses in the world, so any natural way to protect against it is very important. Coriander has unusually high levels of dodecenal, a natural compound that is actually twice as powerful of an antibiotic than the leading treatment for salmonella-based illness. By adding coriander into your normal diet, you protect your body from horribly uncomfortable, and even fatal, illnesses relating to this deadly bacteria. Coriander is commonly found in salsa to add flavor, so dip a chip and protect yourself from food poisoning, the most common way of describing the effects of salmonella.

Bone health: As a rich source of calcium, coriander is of great value for people who want to protect the integrity of their bones. Calcium and other essential minerals found in coriander are integral components of bone regrowth and durability, as well as in the prevention of bone degradation so commonly associated with debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Adding even a small amount of coriander to your diet can help to keep your bones healthy and strong for years to come. Calcium is particularly present in the center leaves of coriander, so aim for that part of the plant if bone health is your focus!

Digestion: Coriander, due to the rich aroma from its essential oils, helps in the proper secretion of enzymes and digestive juices in the stomach, thereby stimulating digestion and peristaltic motion. It is also helpful in treating eating disorders like anorexia. Besides the pleasant aroma of coriander, it has certain stimulatory qualities, derived from the minerals and neurotransmitters that are stimulated when coriander is ingested. Studies have shown that dyspepsia (indigestion) is reduced if coriander is regularly added to the diet. For small children, who have a higher chance of developing abdominal colic than adults, small amounts of coriander in their diet can clear the issue up quickly!

Smallpox: The essential oils in coriander are rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infectious and detoxifying components and acids. The presence of vitamin-C and iron strengthens the immune system as well. These properties help prevent and cure smallpox, and they can also reduce the pain and have a soothing effect on smallpox patients. In the places left in the world where smallpox outbreaks occur, studies have shown massive amounts of vitamin-C have a definite curative effect on smallpox in hundreds of different cases.

Menstrual disorders: Coriander is a natural stimulant, and it regulates proper secretion from the endocrine glands, and that hormonal impact means that it helps regulate proper menstrual cycles and reduces the associated pain during a woman’s period.

Eye care: Coriander is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin-A, vitamin-C and minerals like phosphorous in its essential oils, which prevents vision disorders, macular degeneration and it reduces strain and stress on the eyes. There is also beta-carotene in the leaves, which prevent a number of other diseases that affect the eye, and can even reverse the effects of vision degradation in aging patients.

Conjunctivitis: As discussed earlier, coriander is a very good disinfectant and has antimicrobial properties that protect the eyes from contagious diseases like conjunctivitis. Coriander oil is one of the fundamental components of a number of eye care products.

Blood sugar and diabetes: Due the stimulating effect of coriander on the endocrine glands, the secretion of insulin is increased from pancreas which subsequently increases the insulin level in the blood. This regulates the proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and the resulting drops in the sugar level in the blood. This property is extremely beneficial for patients who suffer from diabetes and other related conditions, in order to lower their chances of dangerous spikes and drops in their blood sugar levels, and to ensure other normal metabolic functions as well.

Other benefits: Coriander helps cure ulcers, inflammation, spasms, while acting as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Coriander is believed to be a natural aphrodisiac and traditionally, it was widely used in certain combinations with other herbs to enhance a person’s libido.

Word of Caution: There have been very few dangers associated with coriander, but as with almost any food, there is some danger of allergic reaction to it, and in some cases, it can be irritating to the skin. One of the more unusual side effects is that some patients complain of sunlight sensitivity, and that excessive coriander intake makes them more susceptible to sunburn, which could subsequently lead to skin cancer over the long term.

Pregnant women should not take coriander until more established research is done, although some women have claimed that it increases their production of breast milk flow. It is best to be safe, so speak with a doctor before adding coriander to your diet, and pay attention to the response your body has!

Source

An essential oil from the seed is used as a food flavoring, in perfumery, soap making etc. It is also fungicidal and bactericidal. The growing plant repels aphids. A spray made by boiling of one part coriander leaves and one part anise seeds in two parts of water is very effective against red spider mites and woolly aphids. An oil from the seed is used for making soap. The report does not make it clear if the essential oil or the fixed oil is used. The seed contains about 20% fixed oil, this has potential for industrial use in Britain, it could become an alternative to oilseed rape though the oil content is a bit on the low side at present (1995). The oil can be split into two basic types, one is used in making soaps etc, whilst the other can be used in making plastics. The dried stems are used as a fuel.

Suggested Varieties

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

$1.00 - $5.60

One of the most ancient herbs, anise is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In ancient Palestine, anise was highly valued and used as a form of currency for payment of taxes. In the United States, anise has been grown since the fourteenth century. In England in 1305, anise was so popular as a spice or medicine that King Edward I put a tax on it to raise money to repair London Bridge. Anise seeds have a wide variety of medicinal uses and are rich in volatile oil, flavonoids and other important nutrients. The distinctive flavor of anise can be found in licorice as well as certain kinds of cookies, bread, sausage, and cheese; almost every culture has a special confection that contains this sweet herb.