How to grow and care for Coriander a.k.a. Cilantro

31.05.18 02:34 AM - Comment(s) - By Admin

Cilantro, a healthy aromatic herb to add to your kitchen garden. Simple, refreshing, beautiful, tasty, and with a very pleasing odor. Coriander, (cilantro in Spanish translation) botanically known as Coriandrum sativum, in the family Apiaceae contains 3,700 species, including the carrots, celery, and parsley. Other names, often used for coriander, are cilantro, dhania, and Chinese parsley. Cilantro is indigenous to Mediterranean countries, and today countries like Romania, Morocco, and Egypt fulfill the commercial supply.

What do you think cilantro is categorized as? A herb or a spice?

Well, both

If we make use of the leaves and stem, it is a herb, and if we use only seeds, we can call it a spice.

Coriander's main use is in seasoning (Ex. Flavouring and garnishing of curries and soups). Any Indian dish will feel incomplete without the addition of this herb. It adds life to the recipe not only with taste but also with its high aroma and bright green color.

Why you should add coriander to every meal

Constituents

An excellent source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, and iron. Besides, leaves are rich in Vitamin-C, Vitamin-K, and protein. It also contains trace amounts of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine (Vit-B1), niacin (Vit-B3), and carotene.

Health Benefits

Consumption of Cilantro lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body and increases the good cholesterol level (HDL)
Enhances the liver function and bowels movement
Coriander is good for diabetic patients as it stimulates insulin production and regulates the blood sugar level
Helps in curing skin related problems
It has got essential oils like linalool, geraniol, camphor, and acids like linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, palmitic acid, umbelliferone, and in seeds, it contains fatty acids.
Coriander seed oil is highly aromatic and acts as a carminative (relieving flatulence). Oil cures all tummy related troubles and acts as an appetizer, the digestive stimulant in the stomach, and intestine.

Identifying coriander plant

A soft, bright green, shining plant, generally grows to a height of 25-50 cm or even 90 cm (2-3 ft), when grown with complete care. Leaves are in various shapes and lobed at the base.

Leaf shape of Indian coriander - 'Dhaniya'

We can see beautiful white or pale pink flowers growing like a bunch called 'Umbels.' Umbels further develop seeds, which are globular in shape and are called 'Schizocarp.'

How to grow coriander

Coriander is grown from seeds. They can be grown in beds or pots and take well to soil-less growing and advanced techniques like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. They grow well in autumn, winter, and spring season with full sunlight. They can also be grown in summer with partial shade.

Grow medium

Use a medium with excellent draining capabilities to drain out excess water. If using cocopeat, mix it 40% with gravel or clay pellets to ensure good drainage.

Seeds

Use fresh, quality seeds, as old seeds may not germinate. (Note: whole seeds will not germinate well, split the seeds into halves before sowing for good germination)

pH

6-7, almost neutral pH. Check for soil and water pH before use.

Spacing

If you want, go for the spacing of 6 to 8 inches or place them 1 cm deep randomly and cover with the soil/media.

Watering

It is important to keep them moist always, but do not overwater. Never dry out the plants as it leads to faster bolting of plants.

Fertilizers

It needs nitrogenous fertilizers, which are high in Nitrogen content and low in phosphorus. CG Greens can be a good nutrient for growing cilantro.

Pest and diseases

Pests like aphids and leafhoppers attack coriander. Go for neem oil sprays to control them. Fungal diseases may arise if plants are overwatered.

Harvest

Plants will be ready to harvest in 30-40 days after sowing. You can harvest the whole plant once or can cut and use only leaves from the base of the plant. The best flavor comes from the younger leaves. Snip off the flowers as and when you notice so that plant will give you some more green leaves.

Happy Growing!

Update March 2019

"Coriander growing in A-Frame NFT in CityGreens Hydroponic research farm in Ahmedabad"

Update March 2020

"Coriander growing in CityGreens Vertical Farm in Bangalore"