Coriandrum sativum Seeds | Santo Cilantro
LATIN NAME: Coriandrum sativum
COMMON NAME: Cilantro
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) stands out as a fast-growing, annual in the carrot family. Cilantro riffles flat, ferry leaves across cool ground, the whole clump standing in the fresh, green look of the spring kitchen garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, light, moist, well-drained ground. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the carrot family regularly include Coriandrum sativum in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Cilantro earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Cilantro is a fresh, useful plant of spring kitchen garden and study collection. It is a fresh, useful plant of open, sunny, light, moist, well-drained garden. Cilantro seeds grow quickly in a light, loamy mix kept moist. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Coriander is two spices in one, leaf and seed, and the seed is a classical digestive carminative across European and Asian medicine; linalool from the seed oil is studied for calming and antimicrobial activity.
Growing from Seed
Starting Cilantro from seed is simple and satisfying. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Cilantro repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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