Cilantro [Coriandrum sativum]

Coriander is an annual spice and medicinal plant that originally comes from the Mediterranean, southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Even in ancient times, people used this plant as medicine. The herb is also called insect weed because of its characteristic smell and protection against aphids and cabbage white butterfly. In the 15th century, perfume was made from this plant, but today the herb is mainly used as a spice. The fresh leaves can enrich almost every 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: Weak eater
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
Germ 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

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

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to May or in autumn from September to November.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from April to September.

General
Sow directly in rows.
Coriander prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with a permeable and humus-rich loamy soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid 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, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
Regular watering causes faster growth. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-6 years

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