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Table of Contents
Introduction
Are your cilantro plants frustratingly quick to bolt, leaving you with flowers instead of lush leaves? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Many cilantro growers face this challenge, especially during the summer months. As farmers supplying our retail customers and CSA members, we’ve mastered the art of keeping cilantro thriving throughout all four seasons. Join us as we share some tried-and-true tips to help you grow bountiful cilantro year-round..
Origins and History
Cilantro is known for its polarizing taste, with some people loving its fresh, citrusy flavor and others finding it soapy or unpleasant. This divide has sparked debates and even led to genetic studies to understand why some people dislike cilantro while others love it.
Cilantro has a long recorded history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Some stories suggest that cilantro was found in the tombs of pharaohs, indicating its use in ancient Egyptian culture for culinary and possibly even spiritual purposes.
In medieval Europe, cilantro was believed to have aphrodisiac properties and was used in love potions. It was also used to ward off demons and was thought to have protective powers. Cilantro was not used much for cooking but rather for magic. Since cilantro had been around for centuries, we don’t really know why it fell out of favor as a culinary herb. It was the explorers of the 16th and 17th centuries who found cilantro in Central and South America and brought it back to Europe as a culinary herb.
Cilantro has been a staple herb in many Asian and African cuisines for centuries. In India, it is known as dhania and is used in curries and chutneys. In parts of Africa, it is used in a variety of dishes, adding a fresh and aromatic flavor.
Cultivation and Growth:
Cilantro grows easily and quickly when you plant the seeds directly in the garden area you want it, with ideal temperatures of 65-75F. Water the seeds when you first plant them, and you can see the new plants in a week. After 6 weeks, the cilantro is ready to start harvesting. You can cut the stems a few inches above the ground, and the cilantro will re-grow.
If you start with a young plant, get it in the ground as quickly as possible. You will be able to find cilantro plants at a local farm market in the spring or at a garden center which has herb plants.
You can start to harvest a few stems each week as the plant grows unless you are waiting to make a special item which requires a large amount of cilantro.
You can keep your harvested cilantro in a container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days if you are not going to use it immediately.
What does Cilantro need to grow well?
Cilantro does best in full sun and moderate temperatures. If the temperature is hot, which cilantro says is about 80F, then aim for some afternoon shade.
Cilantro is very temperature sensitive. Once sprouted, cilantro can handle temperatures into the 30sF, so it is a great crop for cool weather. Our challenge is that many dishes which use cilantro use hot-weather crops, such as tomatoes. Cilantro grows in hot weather, but it will “bolt” very quickly.
In addition to sunshine, cilantro needs regular watering, but it can handle drying out completely in-between watering.
Can cilantro grow in water?
Cilantro does exceptionally well in a hydroponic system. Harvest consistently for best performance. To start seeds in a hydroponic system, place the seeds in a growing medium and keep the growing medium consistently moist. After the seeds sprouts and has its first true leaves, then place the plant in the hydroponic channel.
Can you grow cilantro stems in a cup of water? Possibly. It is not a system that we use, because there is a high failure rate. About 30% of the time, the stems will develop roots and then you can plant in soil. Change the water every 2-3 days. It takes 7-14 days for roots to start growing from the bottom of the stem. It is best to put rooted plants into soil unless you have a hydroponic system which keeps the water moving and allows air to reach the roots.
We find it easier and more reliable to start seeds in soil, which then sprout within 7 days. The timing is actually better starting from seed and the results are far more dependable than trying cuttings.
How to harvest cilantro for regrowth
If you want your cilantro plants to provide you with cilantro more than once, prompt and consistent harvesting is key. When the stems are about 5-6 inches long, cut the outer stems of the plant about 2 inches above the ground, leaving at least 2-3 of the smaller inner leaves on the plant. The plant will grow new leaves from the center. Depending on how warm the air and soil are, the plant will be read for more harvesting in 4-7 days.
You know cilantro is ready for harvest when the plant has at least 5 stems on it that are 5-6 inches long.
What happens if you miss harvesting your cilantro and it starts to get big?
Remember that you and your cilantro have two different goals. Your goal is to cut leaves to add to a recipe. The plant’s goal is to develop seeds and to reproduce. If you miss harvesting your cilantro, if it is warm weather, the plant will start to send up tall stems which are stiff and have tiny white flowers. These flowers will produce the seeds. Eventually, the plant will only have seed heads. Typically, this is called coriander at this stage.
What does “bolting” mean for cilantro?
When you think of what the word “bolt” means, to move rapidly or to break away from a set course, that is what happens to the cilantro plant. The stems grow very rapidly so that the plant can produce seeds instead of leaves. Once the plant starts to produce flowers and seeds, it will not go back to leaf production, no matter how much you cut the stems. That means you need to start more cilantro seeds.
In hot weather, we find we can get 2-3 weeks of harvesting from the cilantro plants. In cooler times, when the temperatures are 45-55F, we can harvest for 8 weeks. At some point, the plants are done and start producing flowers, which then develop tiny seeds.
At that point, you plant more seeds if you want more cilantro.
Storage tip for cilantro
If you have a lot of cilantro and you will be unable to use it all quickly, take advantage of your freezer. Chop the cilantro finely, put it in ice cube trays, fill with water or olive oil, and then freeze. You now have cilantro which you can add to any recipe later in the year.
You can also make cilantro pesto, which freezes beautifully as well.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value:
Cilantro, also known as coriander in some regions, offers several health and nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cilantro contains antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-carotene, which help protect your cells against damage from free radicals.
- May Lower Blood Sugar: Some studies suggest that cilantro may help lower blood sugar levels, though more research is needed in this area.
- May Fight Infections: Cilantro contains antimicrobial properties that may help fight certain infections, including those caused by bacteria and fungi.
- Digestive Health: Cilantro is rich in fiber, which can aid digestion and promote gut health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
See? It isn’t just broccoli that is a superfood. Including cilantro in your diet can be a flavorful way to boost your overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Q: Why does cilantro bolt?
A: Heat or water stress will make cilantro bolt.
Q: Is it worth it to plant more cilantro?
A: Yes! It grows quickly from seed.
Q: Can cilantro grow in a container?
A: Yes, indeed. You can plant cilantro densely and harvest it all at once.
Q: Can you freeze cilantro?
A: Yes, cilantro freezes easily in olive oil or water.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a seed to its flavorful presence on our tables, cilantro is a versatile and vibrant herb that enriches our culinary experiences. By understanding its lifecycle and the care it needs, you can cultivate this herb with confidence. Know that multiple plantings will ensure you have a regular supply of this herb.
Whether enjoyed in fresh salsas, vibrant curries, or aromatic soups, cilantro’s unique flavor and aroma add a refreshing zest to dishes around the world. So, the next time you savor a cilantro-infused dish, remember the journey this herb has taken from seed to table, and appreciate the flavors it brings to your plate.
Happy growing and eating!
~ Ruth
Additional resources
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolt