Cilantro [Coriandrum sativum]

Annual coriander is a spice and medicinal plant that was used in ancient times to aid digestion, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, antibacterials and antifungals. A decoction protects against aphids and cabbage white butterflies. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting of seeds and leaves.

 Description 
Coriander is an annual spice and medicinal plant that originally comes from the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Even in ancient times, people used this plant as medicine and it had digestive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal effects. Because of its characteristic smell and protection against aphids and cabbage white butterflies, the herb is also called insect herb. In the 15th century, perfume was made from this plant, but today the herb or seeds are mainly used as a spice. The fresh leaves can enrich almost any dish and the seeds are particularly valued in East Asian and Oriental cuisine. All parts of the plant are edible.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x25 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-6 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Potato, Ginger, Pea, Strawberry, Cucumber, Carrot, Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Horseradish, Bell pepper, Beetroot, Lettuce, Celery, Runner bean, Tomato, Onion, Anise, Basil, Borage, Dill, Tarragon, Nasturtium, Camomile, Marjoram, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Yarrow, Mustard, Sunflower, Thyme, Lemon balm
Unfavorable mixed culture: Parsley, Rocket, Chives

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from February to May or in autumn from September to November. The ideal location for the plants is sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to September is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation in pots is also advisable.
Coriander ideally prefers a soil that is moderately nutrient-rich, moist and permeable, containing loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Dry soil promotes flower formation. Coriander keeps aphids and the cabbage white butterfly away and at the same time attracts pollinating insects such as hoverflies. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Coriandrum sativum
English names: Cilantro
German names: Koriander, Insektenkraut
Portuguese names: Coentro
Spanish names: Culantro, Coriandro
French names: Coriandre

 Origin 
Country: Portugal