🌿 Cilantro / Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

herbs Annual herb (leaves = cilantro; seeds = coriander) Apiaceae

☀️ Sun

Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in hot climates delays bolting

💧 Water

Consistent moisture; stress causes bolting. Mulch to keep roots cool.

🗺️ Zones

Annual everywhere; best in cool seasons (spring/fall)

🧪 Soil pH

6.2-6.8 (prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates 6.0-7.5)

🪴 Soil Type

Rich, well-draining, moist; pH 6.2-6.8

📏 Spacing

6-8 inches apart for leaves; 12 inches for seed production

📐 Height

18-24 inches (leaf); 24-36 inches (flowering/seed)

⏱️ Maturity

21-28 days for baby leaves; 45-60 days for mature; 90-120 days for coriander seed

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ Leaves (cilantro) 🍽️ Seeds (coriander) 🍽️ Roots (used in Thai cuisine) 🍽️ Flowers

Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone

🤝 Companions (6)

🤝 Anise

Enhances anise growth and flavor; traditional pairing.

🤝 Beans

Repels bean pests; low-growing cilantro doesn't compete with pole beans.

🤝 Chervil

Mutual beneficial insect attraction; both bolt quickly in heat.

🤝 Dill

Both are umbellifers attracting beneficial insects; shared growing needs.

🤝 Spinach

Cilantro provides light shade that prolongs spinach harvest in warm weather.

🤝 Tomatoes

Attracts beneficial hoverflies and parasitic wasps; repels aphids and spider mites.

⚠️ Keep Apart (2)

⚠️ Fennel

Fennel is allelopathic and inhibits cilantro growth; cross-pollination risk.

⚠️ Lavender

Completely different water needs; cilantro needs moisture, lavender needs dry.

💊 Medicinal Uses

Conditions Treated

💊 Heavy metal toxicity (chelating agent , evidence for lead and mercury removal) 💊 Digestive issues (gas, bloating, indigestion, colic) 💊 Nausea and motion sickness 💊 Anxiety and insomnia (mild sedative , especially the seeds) 💊 Urinary tract infections (mild antimicrobial) 💊 Joint pain and rheumatism (anti-inflammatory) 💊 High blood sugar (hypoglycemic , coriander seeds) 💊 Food poisoning (antimicrobial against Salmonella)

Preparation Methods

Coriander seed tea: 1-2 tsp crushed seeds steeped 10 min; for digestive issues and anxiety
Cilantro pesto/chutney: Fresh leaves consumed for heavy metal chelation (must be consistent)
Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 2-4ml 3x daily for digestive issues or anxiety
Coriander seed decoction: Simmer seeds 10 min for stronger digestive/carminative effect
Infused oil: Coriander seed in carrier oil for joint pain (topical)
Cilantro juice: Small amounts for detoxification (combine with chlorella for heavy metals)

Active Compounds

⚗️ Linalool ⚗️ Geranyl acetate ⚗️ α-pinene ⚗️ Camphor ⚗️ Flavonoids

⚠️ Safety

Generally very safe. Some people have genetic aversion (tastes like soap). Excessive cilantro consumption may cause photosensitivity. Coriander seed oil is generally safe but use diluted. May lower blood sugar , caution with diabetes medications.

📜 History & Folklore

🏛️ Ancient

Coriander seeds found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Mentioned in Sanskrit texts and the Bible (manna compared to coriander seed). Ancient Greek 'koriannon' , Hippocrates used it medicinally. Romans spread it throughout Europe.

🏰 Medieval

Coriander seeds were widely used in medieval cooking and medicine. Used in 'love potions' and to mask the taste of medicines. Included in herbals as a 'comforting spice' for the stomach.

🌿 Folk Medicine

Traditional Ayurvedic digestive remedy. Used in European folk medicine as a carminative and mild sedative. Coriander seed tea given to children for colic. In Middle Eastern traditions, coriander seeds chewed for bad breath.

🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds Botanical Interests True Leaf Market Burpee Territorial Seed Company

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