Cilantro (Caribe)

Explore the Vibrant Flavors of Cilantro: A Garden Gem

Cilantro, with its bright green foliage and distinctive citrusy aroma, is a beloved herb that adds a burst of freshness to cuisines around the world. This annual herb, cherished for its versatility and bold flavor, is a must-have for any herb garden enthusiast.

Growth and Care

Cilantro thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers full sun in cooler climates but benefits from partial shade in hot, summer regions. Cilantro has a relatively short lifespan, so successive plantings every few weeks ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather, to prevent the plant from bolting and going to seed prematurely.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

In the culinary world, cilantro is celebrated for its fresh, bright flavor that adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. Its vibrant leaves and tender stems are used in various cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern. Cilantro is a staple in salsas, salads, curries, soups, stir-fries, and marinades, offering a refreshing contrast to spicy and savory flavors. The entire cilantro plant, from leaves to seeds (coriander), is edible and prized for its culinary versatility.

Beyond its culinary merits, cilantro offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting detoxification. Cilantro contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall well-being and may help alleviate certain ailments when incorporated into a balanced diet.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures and can bolt quickly in hot weather, especially when exposed to prolonged periods of high temperatures. To prolong the harvest season, plant cilantro in a location with partial shade or provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Regular harvesting, particularly of outer leaves, encourages new growth and delays flowering, allowing you to enjoy fresh cilantro for an extended period.

In conclusion, cilantro is not just a culinary delight but also a versatile herb with a myriad of health benefits. By providing it with the right growing conditions and care, you can enjoy an abundance of fresh cilantro leaves to enhance your dishes and support your well-being.

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OverviewPlantingConditions

Description
Nomenclature
Common Name Name Cultivar Variety		Botanical Name Family Genus Species
Planting Guide
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Cultivation
Time from sowing until... Germination Days Bloom/Harvest Days Size Height Inch Width Inch		Spacing Between Plants Inch Between Rows Inch Sowing Depth Inch Thin to.. Inch Hardiness Hardy
Other Notes

Plot Sowing Date Bloom/Harvest Start

Light
Prefers / Can Tolerate
Moisture
Prefers / Can Tolerate
Temperature
Prefers / Can Tolerate	Low Fahrenheit High Fahrenheit
Wind
Prefers / Can Tolerate
Soil Type
Prefers / Can Tolerate
Soil Chemistry
Prefers / Can Tolerate	4.5+ 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.+ Very Acid Very Acid Acid Acid Slightly Acid Neutral Slightly Alkaline Alkaline The soil pH is a number that describes how acid or alkaline your soil is. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. An acid soil has a pH value below 7.0 and above 7.0 the soil is alkaline. You may need a soil testing kit to assess this accurately.