Common name: coriander

Botanical name: Coriandrum sativum

Origin: Europe, Asia Minor, and Russia

Varieties

Few varieties are available; grow the variety available in your area.

Description

Coriander is a fast-growing annual that grows to about 12 to 18 inches in height. It has tall slender stems with fine feathery leaves; the flowers are pale pink and grow in clusters. The seeds are used for flavoring candies, sauces, and soups. Coriander has a strong odor that many people

don't like; it's one of the oldest known herbs. It was grown in ancient Egyptian gardens, and its seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs. Coriander is also mentioned as a food source in the Old Testament. The Spanish for coriander is cilantro, and the herb is sometimes known by this name.

Where and when to grow

Coriander grows almost anywhere that has a growing season of at least 100 days. It's not very hardy and will not survive hard frost, so plant it in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

How to plant

Coriander grows best in a fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers a sunny location but will survive in a slightly shaded area. When you're preparing the soil, dig in a complete, well-balanced fertilizer at the rate of one pound per 100 square feet. Plant coriander from seed in the early spring, two to three weeks after the average date of last frost. Plant the seeds a quarter inch deep in rows eight to 12 inches apart, and thin the plants to stand 12 inches apart when the seedlings are growing strongly.

Fertilizing and watering

Do not fertilize coriander at midseason. Coriander should be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season, but when the seeds are nearing maturity too much rain can reduce the yield.

Pests

Coriander has no serious pest problems.

Diseases

Coriander has no serious disease problems.

How to harvest

You can pick a few coriander leaves any time after the plants are about six inches tall - the fresh

leaves are known as cilantro. Harvest the coriander seeds when they turn a light brown, two to three weeks after flowering. The seeds are small - only an eighth inch in diameter - and are split in half and dried after harvesting.

Storing and preserving

The dried seeds can be stored for months in an airtight container. You can freeze or dry the leaves.

Serving suggestions

Add a little coriander to guacamole or to Chinese soups. The dried seeds are good in bread, cookies, potato salad, and fruit dishes. Coriander is used a lot in sausages.