Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Here I am with another article to discuss on one of my favorite herbs to grow: Cilantro! It is also known as Coriander. Its scientific name is Coriandrum sativum. This is not just tasty, but it's also super easy to grow right from seeds. Even though you might see small plants at your local nursery, I've always found sowing seeds directly in my garden or containers works like a charm.
Rubbing its leaves gives you this amazing citrusy and woodsy aroma. How cool is that? I love using fresh cilantro in all sorts of dishes like tacos, salsa, and even fried rice. Yum!
Planting Cilantro in the Springtime
So, every April, I get my gardening gear out and start planting cilantro seeds. I usually pick a sunny spot in my garden and some containers on my deck. Cilantro loves the sun this time of year. The best part? You only have to wait about a week or so before seeing those little green shoots pop up! These plants don't just grow tall (up to a foot!), but they also have these lovely broad leaves with cute scalloped edges. By late April or early May, it's harvest time!
Growing Cilantro in the Summer Heat
As the days get warmer in late May and early June, you'll notice your cilantro doing a little transformation. The leaves become thinner, more finely dissected, almost lacy. That's when you know it's time for the flowers to show up – these tiny, pretty white blooms. And then, the magic happens: your cilantro plants start producing seeds, known as coriander. I like to collect these seeds in a paper bag and save them for next year's planting. They're also a great spice for cooking!
Now, growing cilantro in summer can be a bit tricky, especially in hot places like Virginia or Florida. Cilantro prefers cool temperatures to grow and performs well.
But don't worry, I've got some tips for you! Cilantro prefers cooler temps and moist soil. So in the summer, I make sure my plants get morning sun and some nice afternoon shade. I also keep an eye on the soil moisture and water them regularly.
In the summer, I switch things up a bit. I find a spot in my garden that gets afternoon shade to sow new seeds. If you don't have natural shade, no problem! A shade cloth or growing cilantro in movable containers works great too. I also plant some seeds in containers on my deck, right under a tree. It's so much easier to check on them there. Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and seeing what works best in your space! So don't hesitate with any of your experience in gardening.
Keep the Cilantro Coming!
To keep a steady flow of cilantro throughout the summer, I plant new seeds every few weeks. Because of the extreme heat of summer, cilantro plants tend to bolt faster and blossom earlier, so you need to catch those leaves while you can. When the older ones will be harvested, the new ones will grow.
If you can, try using varieties like Santo or Calypso, that are slower to bolt. You might need to order them online, but they're worth it!
Summer's Over, But Cilantro's Not!
I know, summer gardening can be a bit more demanding, but hang in there! Remember, autumn brings similar conditions to spring, which cilantro loves. So, try planting some seeds in September for a delightful fall harvest. And hey, even when it gets a bit frosty, cilantro can handle it. Just cover them up a bit, and you can enjoy fresh cilantro right up until the holidays.
There's something special about growing your own cilantro from seeds. It's such a joy to step outside and snip off fresh cilantro whenever you need it. So, why not give it a try this year?
Happy gardening, everyone! 🌿👩🌾🌞
