Plant: Cilantro
Family: Apiaceae
Seed Varieties Dates to Maturity:
Any standard variety of cilantro can be used.
Indoor Start Date and Cell Size:
Seeds can be started indoors for an earlier set-out indoors, but we have found that this leads to bolting and much lower yield overall so it is best to directly seed cilantro in the garden.
Greenhouse Transplant Date and Cell Size:
Directly seed cilantro in the garden.
Outdoor Transplant Date and Bed Specifications:
Plant outside beginning 6/10 and every two weeks until the second planting in July. Plant three rows per bed, with 1 plant per inch at a depth of 1⁄2in. No thinning os required.
Plant Needs:
Generally maintenance free beyond standard cultivation and watering.
Cultivation Techniques:
Use large cultivators such as stirrup and collinear hoes between the rows, but hand weeding is essential with the close spacing.
Pests and Pest Control:
Pests have been minimal to date.
Harvest Techniques:
Similar to parsley, cilantro can be harvested by picking less than 10 percent of each plant at a time and bunching. Or it can be trimmed within the rows into bunches. Discard yellow or brown leaves and form into bunches then Rinse off dirt and grit. The seeds, which are coriander, can also be harvested.
Storage:
Refrigerate overnight, but do not keep beyond that. It can be dried, but does not retain as much flavor.
Sales:
Sold as a bunch for $2.00 for retail and $1.00 for wholesale.
Miscellaneous Advice:
Try to time readiness of cilantro with tomatoes. Late summer salsa is at its best with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and onions.