Sunday, July 17, 2011

Growing Cilantro and Coriander in an Herb Garden and Preventing Bolting


Many people have a little difficulty telling the difference between cilantro and coriander. The two are different parts of the same plant (Known scientifically as Coriandrun sativum) so by growing cilantro you also get coriander. This is one of the reasons why cilantro is so popular, the other being that this little herb has a potent taste and can be used in everything from European to Asian recipes.

Cilantro is an annual herb and grows really quickly. In most climates it can complete its entire life cycle in as little time as a month and a half. This is great if you want something to put in the pot, as this herb will supply you with all the fresh flavoring you need! Be careful though, it can easily provide you with too much growth and so finding a way to preserve it is the best way forward. It is also wise not to freeze the leaves, as this takes a lot of the flavor out of them.

The plant usually has a height of between 60 and 70 centimeters, so the seeds should be planted 30 to 40 centimeters apart. The best time for planting them is after the frosts in spring. Allow the plant to establish about 12-15 centimeters of growth before you harvest to maximize the amount of growth you can harvest.

Preventing Cilantro Bolting

Bolting is an inbuilt survival mechanism whereby the plant diverts all its resources into making seeds and little into growing. This usually happens when the herb gets too hot and once started it is difficult to stop. Unfortunately cilantro has a tendency to bolt. Bolting can be slowed by cutting back the buds as they appear. This will probably give you enough time to harvest some of the plant, but will not save it. A better bet is to keep watering the plant and using mulch to keep it cool, therefore reducing the chances. A good tip from experienced gardeners is to use other plants to give a little shade to the cilantro at peak times of the day. Rosemary and plants like that are great for this role.

If that still does not work you may have to plant your cilantro in the summer and let it mature in the fall when it is cooler. Or you can also grow this plant indoors without any trouble.

With these tips you will soon be growing flavorful cilantro and enjoying the wonderful taste of this herb. Happy gardening!






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