Cilantro, which is sometimes also called Chinese parsley, coriander leaf, or fresh coriander, is a perennial herb that is used in several different types of cuisine, including Mexican, Tex-Mex, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian.http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/2617/how-to-grow-cilantro

Depending on where you live and shop, you may have found it difficult to find the fresh cilantro your ethnic recipes call for at times. If so, a simple solution is to grow your own cilantro crop. Whether you're in need of some fresh cilantro to add a spicy citrus flavor to your next batch of fresh-cut salsa, or homemade guacamole, as a tasty garnish for a dish of Vietnamese noodles or Chinese stir-fry, you can have a seasonally endless supply of fresh cilantro by growing some in your herb garden. At the end of your cilantro-growing season, you will also have a supply of flavorful cilantro root, a common ingredient in Thai marinades, as well as dozens of spicy coriander seeds, which you can either use in a host of recipes, or to replenish your cilantro garden next year.http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/2617/how-to-grow-cilantro If you're interested in learning more about how to grow cilantro, the information provided in this guide is designed for people just like you.

Cilantro is a very easy herb to grow, and can be grown in virtually all climates, albeit with some adjustments depending on region.http://www.westcoastseeds.com/how-to-grow/Herb-Seeds/Cilantro/ Although cilantro needs a period of frost-free weather in order to germinate and grow, if the weather is too hot or humid, the plants will "bolt," or go to seed prematurely, meaning that the leaves will be rendered useless.http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/2617/how-to-grow-cilantro Therefore:

1. If you are located in a tropical climate, consider planting your cilantro in the spring or autumn, when it is not as hot and humid
2. If you are located in a more temperate climate, you can plant cilantro in the height of summer, but consider planting the herb in an area that gets shade at least part of the day to avoid premature boltinghttp://www.westcoastseeds.com/how-to-grow/Herb-Seeds/Cilantro/
3. Excessive humidity, regardless of region, can also cause premature bolting, so be sure to choose and area that gets good air circulation when planning to plant cilantrohttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

Regardless of when you plant cilantro, be sure that you choose an appropriate spot to do so. These plants have a long, delicate taproot, and therefore do not like to be transplanted.http://www.vegetable-gardening-online.com/growing-cilantro.html The stress of transplanting will usually result in plants bolting immediately, and then dying, or dying immediately.http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

Cilantro is not overly picky when it comes to soil type, but you will want to ensure that you plant it in an area that is deep enough for the taproot to propagate and get a firm hold. Also be sure that the soil drains well, since, these plants do not appreciate being left in standing water. As with any other plant, dark, nutrient-rich soil will produce large, healthy plants, but decent-quality soil with at least some nutrients will work fine, too. If you are concerned about soil quality, consider adding some organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, which will not only add some valuable nutrients to the soil, but also improve the soil's drainage capabilities.http://herbgardening.com/growingcilantro.htm http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

Cilantro plants need to be watered regularly. While you can allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, never allow it to become too dry.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fmSPjXDXEE If you have planted your cilantro in sandy soil, in an area that is subjected to hot sun, or are otherwise concerned that they may dry out, consider placing some mulch atop the soil they are planted in—this will work wonders when it comes to helping the soil retain moisture.http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

Once you have chosen and prepared an appropriate spot to plant your cilantro, doing so is relatively easy. Here's how to plant cilantro:

1. Simply create some shallow rows (about 1/2" deep) and about 2-4" apart http://www.westcoastseeds.com/how-to-grow/Herb-Seeds/Cilantro
2. Place the seeds in the rows, cover them loosely with soil, and water immediatelyhttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html
3. The seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have sprouted, you may have to thin out your crop a bit, since you want a minimum of two inches square around each plant. Simply pull up the extra plants by handhttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

As mentioned, cilantro can easily bolt, or go to seed, very quickly. If you want to continue harvesting these tasty leaves, there are several things you can do to help prevent premature bolting.

1. Harvest the leaves regularly, particularly those near the base of the plant, but never take all the leaves off the stalkhttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html
2. As soon as you see evidence of flowering, cut off the flower stalk immediatelyhttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html
3. When the plant begins to flower, harvest the entire plant. You should use the cilantro leaves immediately, or, at most, within a few days of harvestinghttp://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-cilantro.html

However, if your cilantro plant does go to seed, all is not lost. Once a plant has bolted, you have two options. You can either:

1. Simply leave the plant, let nature take it's course and redistribute the seeds, and, in most climate zones, you can welcome a new crop of cilantro the following yearhttp://www.vegetable-gardening-online.com/growing-cilantro.html
2. You can also harvest the seeds, known as coriander, which can also be used in preparing a variety of tasty dishes. To harvest the seeds, simply cut out the flowered plant, place the flowered part in a paper bag, and then hang upside down by the stalk in a cool, well-ventilated area. After a few days, the seeds will have dried out slightly and will fall out of the flowers with just a gentle shakehttp://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/2617/how-to-grow-cilantro