Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is a leafy herb with a bright, citrusy flavor that adds a burst of freshness to many dishes. Known for its versatility in global cuisines, cilantro is particularly popular in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking. Interestingly, cilantro refers to the plant’s leaves and stems, while the seeds are known as coriander, a spice with a warm, nutty flavor. This unique dual-purpose herb is loved by many, although it has a polarizing taste; some people find it tastes like soap due to genetic differences in taste perception.

Soil Requirements

Cilantro thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.2 and 6.8. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter helps cilantro grow quickly and stay productive. However, it’s essential to avoid overly fertile soil, as this can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor. If planting in pots, choose a potting mix that drains well to prevent root rot.

Sun Requirements

Cilantro grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Ideally, it should receive four to six hours of sunlight each day. In areas with intense Summer heat, partial shade during the afternoon can help cilantro avoid bolting or going to seed, which causes the leaves to turn bitter as the plants shifts its energy to flowering and seed production.

Watering Requirements

Cilantro requires consistent moisture, especially during its early growth stages. Water the plant deeply but avoid waterlogged soil, as cilantro is susceptible to root rot. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture, particularly in warmer weather.

Best Plant Hardiness Zones

Cilantro is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11, although it prefers temperatures between 50° and 85°F. In warmer zones, cilantro is best grown in Spring and Fall, as it tends to bolt quickly in hot Summer conditions.

Popular Cilantro Varieties

Cilantro’s unique flavor makes it a beloved herb around the world, and several varieties are available to suit different growing conditions and culinary preferences. Each type of cilantro offers a slightly different growth pattern or flavor, making them well-suited for various dishes and climates. Here are five popular cilantro varieties and their best culinary uses.

Santo Cilantro

Santo is one of the most popular cilantro varieties, known for its slow-bolting characteristic, meaning it takes longer to flower and go to seed. This trait makes it ideal for warmer climates or for gardeners looking to harvest leaves for an extended period. Santo cilantro has broad, dark green leaves and a robust flavor.

Santo cilantro’s full-bodied flavor is ideal for classic dishes like guacamole, salsa, and curries. The leaves are best used fresh and added to dishes at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant taste. Santo’s slower bolting also makes it a good choice for home gardeners who want a steady supply of fresh leaves over a longer season.

Calypso Cilantro

Calypso is one of the slowest-bolting cilantro varieties, bred specifically for extended leaf production. This variety has a bushy growth habit, producing a dense canopy of leaves that are flavorful and aromatic. Calypso cilantro is particularly popular among commercial growers for its reliable yields.

Calypso’s abundant foliage makes it perfect for recipes that require a generous amount of fresh cilantro, such as cilantro pesto, chutneys, and salads. It’s also great for garnishing tacos, soups, and rice dishes. Because of its long growing season, Calypso is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a high yield of cilantro leaves.

Leisure Cilantro

Leisure cilantro is another slow-bolting variety with a compact growth habit, making it ideal for containers and small garden spaces. It produces dark green, tender leaves with a strong flavor, and is popular for its high leaf production. Leisure cilantro is often favored by home gardeners due to its adaptability and ease of growth.

Leisure cilantro’s flavor makes it versatile for many dishes, from Asian stir-fries to Middle Eastern salads like tabbouleh. It’s also delicious in fresh salsas, sauces, and marinades. Its compact size and consistent leaf production make it a good option for container gardens or windowsill pots, providing easy access to fresh leaves.

Caribe Cilantro

Caribe cilantro is known for its vigorous growth and strong flavor. This variety is also relatively slow to bolt, though not as slow as Calypso or Santo. It has finely divided, tender leaves that are ideal for culinary use. Caribe’s quick growth and potent flavor make it a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike.

Caribe cilantro is well-suited for robust dishes where cilantro is a key flavor, such as Mexican moles, Indian curries, and Thai soups. Its bold flavor holds up well in cooking, though it’s best added toward the end to retain its freshness. Caribe’s fast-growing nature also makes it suitable for quick harvests in culinary gardens.

Vietnamese Cilantro (Rau Ram)

Although not a true cilantro (technically known as Persicaria odorata), Vietnamese cilantro is often used as a cilantro substitute in tropical regions, as it thrives in hot, humid climates where traditional cilantro struggles. It has a similar but slightly spicier flavor, with a hint of lemony zest. Vietnamese cilantro has elongated leaves with a distinctive aroma.

Vietnamese cilantro is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese and Thai dishes. It’s excellent in fresh Spring rolls, noodle bowls, and salads, where its spicier, citrusy flavor can add depth. This variety is perfect for gardeners in tropical or warm climates who want a cilantro-like herb that won’t bolt in the heat. ❖