---
title: Coriander (Cilantro)
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [herbs, heirloom, open-pollinated, chicken-friendly, goat-friendly, rabbit-friendly]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Coriander (Cilantro)
## Overview
Versatile — zesty leaves (cilantro) and flavorful spice seeds (coriander) from same plant. Fast-growing annual, 12-24" tall.
- **Category:** Herbs
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated
## Growing Instructions
### Sowing
Direct sow spring or fall (bolts in heat). Seeds 1/4-1/2" deep, 1-2" apart in rows 12-18" apart. Thin to 6-8". Well-drained soil pH 6.2-6.8.
### Germination
7-14 days at 55-70°F
### Care
Moist soil, especially germination/early growth. Mulch for cool roots. Sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Pinch flowers for leaf production or allow bolting for seed harvest.
### Harvest
45-70 days for leaves (4-6" tall), 90-100 days for seeds (brown/dry on plant).
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-7.0, well-drained. Prefers cool weather.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 2-3 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F.
- **Pre-treatment:** Crush seed balls lightly (they're fruits containing 2 seeds). Soak 8-12h for faster germination.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 0.25-0.5 lb per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Spring and fall
- **Note:** Quick bolting in heat, succession plant
Allow plant to bolt (inevitable in heat). Seed balls form on stalks. Harvest when brown and dry, crush to release seeds. Leaves = cilantro, dried seeds = coriander spice.
## Pest & Disease
Aphids, leaf miner, powdery mildew. Bolts quickly — succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
## Harvest & Preservation
Leaves: strip, store in water in fridge 1 week, or freeze in oil/ice cubes. Seeds: dry completely, store whole as coriander spice.
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **[[provider-green-bush-beans]], brassicas, [[pickling-cucumber]]** — Attracts beneficial insects
### Part of: Salad Bowl
- See [[companion-planting]] for full combination details
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]