Plant Database / Herbs / Cilantro / Coriander
Herbs

Cilantro / Coriander

Coriandrum sativum
Apiaceae (Carrot)

Cilantro the leaf, coriander the seed — same plant. Bolts fast in heat, so grow it in the cool months.

EdibleAnnualCool-seasonContainer-friendly
Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
Even
Soil
Rich, well-drained
pH
6.2–6.8
Hardiness
Cool-season annual
Height
18–24 in
Spacing
6 in
Days to harvest
45–70

What it is

Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is in the Apiaceae (Carrot) family. Cilantro the leaf, coriander the seed — same plant. Bolts fast in heat, so grow it in the cool months.

How to grow it

It wants full sun to part shade, water it even, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.2–6.8. Space plants about 6 in apart. Expect roughly 45–70. Cool-season annual.

How it's used

Cilantro / Coriander is used: fresh leaf; seed as spice.

🔎 How to identify it

  • Lower leaves broad, upper feathery
  • White umbel flowers
  • Round seed (coriander)

Edibility

PartsLeaves and seeds
UsesFresh leaf; seed as spice
CautionBolts quickly when hot; succession-sow.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.