Coriandrum sativum aka Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum is an herb in the Apiaceae family. It is an annual, which lives for one year. Gardeners call the leaves cilantro and the seeds coriander. Kew gives its native range as the eastern Mediterranean to Pakistan. Other garden sources also list southern Europe and the western Mediterranean. People grow it in gardens and on farms. It also grows on disturbed ground and by rivers.

Most garden plants grow 1–2 feet [0.3–0.61 metres] tall. They spread 1–2 feet [0.3–0.61 metres] wide. Some accounts report heights near 5.2 feet [1.6 metres]. The plant forms a branched clump that stands upright. It may also sprawl. Its green leaves smell strong and have no hairs. Lower leaves have broad lobes and look like parsley. Upper leaves split into fine parts and look like ferns. Small flowers grow in summer in clusters called umbels. They range from white to pink to pale lavender. Round fruits turn yellow-brown as their seeds ripen. Insects carry pollen between flowers. The plant is self-fertile: its own pollen can form seeds.

Grow coriander in moist soil that drains well. It suits loam, sand, and chalk at several pH levels. Use full sun for plants grown for seeds. Part shade can give a better crop of leaves. Shade in the afternoon helps prevent sun damage in hot places. Cool weather helps leaves grow. Heat makes plants bolt, or start to flower. Missouri Botanical Garden warns against frequent rain and high humidity. Sow seeds outside after the last spring frost, or in pots. Plants grow fast. Young leaves are ready in around 30 days. Sow every two weeks to help extend the harvest. Cut off flower stems to keep new leaves coming. RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H5. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 2–11.

Grow coriander in herb beds, borders, pots, and food gardens. It draws butterflies, and swallowtail caterpillars feed on it. Use fresh leaves in soups, sauces, salads, and other dishes. You can eat young stems and flowers too. Seeds add flavour to bread, cakes, curries, and drinks. People put seeds in small scent bags called sachets. They also use them in potpourri. Seed oils go into soaps and perfumes. People use coriander in traditional remedies for gut complaints.

Serious pest and disease problems are rare, but can occur. Aphids and leafhoppers may attack plants. So may grasshoppers and cabbage loopers. Diseases include powdery mildew and damping off. Rot, wilt, and blights can occur too. Plants often spread by seed on their own. They can become weeds outside gardens. ASPCA lists coriander as safe for cats, dogs, and horses. Very large amounts may have narcotic effects in people. Coriander powder and oil may cause allergies. They may also make people more sensitive to light.