Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, let's chat about one of my favorite herbs to grow: cilantro! Also known by its scientific name, Coriandrum sativum, cilantro 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. Plus, did you know cilantro is a cousin of carrots? And when you rub its leaves, you get this amazing citrusy and woodsy aroma. How cool is that?
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! I love using fresh cilantro in all sorts of dishes like tacos, salsa, and even fried rice. Yum!
The Magic of Summer Cilantro
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!
Growing Cilantro in the Summer Heat
Now, growing cilantro in summer can be a bit tricky, especially in hot places like Virginia. 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.
A Little Summer Gardening Strategy
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!
Keep the Cilantro Coming!
To keep a steady flow of cilantro throughout summer, I plant new seeds every few weeks. Because of the heat, cilantro plants tend to bolt faster, so you'll want to catch those leaves while you can. A little tip: try using varieties like Santo or Calypso, which 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.
Wrapping Up and Local Tips
For those of you in the DC metro area, you're lucky! You can always find small cilantro transplants at local nurseries. But honestly, there's something special about growing your own 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! 🌿👩🌾🌞
