Cilantro or coriander (Coriandrum sativum) can be grown as an alternative crop which can be grown alongside your collard greens this winter.
Coriander was named after the bedbug emitting the same odor, and it is commonly named cilantro. It originated in southern Europe and reached other areas centuries ago, including the hanging gardens of Babylon. Ancient Sanskrit texts, Egyptian papyrus records, and the Bible all mention coriander. The Chinese believed it imparted immortality, and it was used in love potions in the Middle Ages.
This plant is a member of the carrot family, native to the Mediterranean region. Cilantro is the most used herb on a worldwide basis. Both the leaf and the seed is used in the kitchen to add flavor. The seed is known as coriander while the leaf is known as cilantro. The foliage is finely divided and looks like parsley but has an exceptional sweet-musky flavor. Cilantro is a very versatile herb used in Oriental, Caribbean, Italian, and Mexican cooking. It is sometimes known as Mexican or Chinese parsley.
The flat clusters of pale pink flowers produced during the summer ripen into the sweetly aromatic coriander seed. However, fresh seeds have an unpleasant taste and aroma. Drying the seed removes the unpleasant odors.
The round, tiny seeds actually grow more fragrant with storage. The seeds also contain an essential oil called coriander oil or coriandrol.
Cultivars
- Long Standing
- Slo Bolt
- Leisure
- Costa Rica
- California
- Lemon
- Delfino
- Moroccan
Climatic Requirements
Cilantro can be grown under a wide range on climatic conditions. During summer months, the crop matures in 40 to 45 days. Hot weather causes cilantro to bolt quickly and reduces the development of foliage. Temperatures from 50 to 85°F provide optimal growing conditions. Cilantro tolerates light frost.
Planting
Cilantro can be planted during the fall winter and early spring months in Florida. For best germination you can soak the seeds overnight in water while placing them in the refrigerator if the night temperatures are above 60°F. If night time temperatures are cooler, sow the seeds directly on the ground in humid soil. One plant will yield two cuttings before maturing. For a continuous supply, sow every week through the summer. Cilantro performs best in moist, well-drained soils. If you desire to harvest coriander (the seeds), let the plant flower after the first cutting.
Seeding
Depending on the desired plant population, 25 to 100 lbs per acre of seed are used. After germination, thin seedlings to 6 to 8
inches apart. Leave 15 inches between each row. Sow seed between 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Diseases and Insect Susceptibility
Cilantro is susceptible to bacterial leaf spot (caused by Pseudomonas syringae). Neem oil seems to stop the spread of this bacteria.
Common insects that can hurt your cilantro crop include:
- Beet armyworm
Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). Photo credit: John Capinera, University of Florida. - Cabbage looper
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni). Photo credit: John L. Capinera, University of Florida. - Green peach aphid
Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Photo credit: Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida.
The first two insects can be controlled with BT, carbaril or pyrethrin while the peach aphid can be controlled with pyrethrin, permethrin or azardirachtin.
Harvesting
Cilantro can be harvested after 45 to 70 days from planting. Cut the exterior leaves once they reach 4 to 6 inches long (depending on variety), or cut the whole plant 1 to 2 inches above the soil level.
Postharvest Handling
Fresh cilantro is usually hydrocooled or iced as soon as it is ready for packing. Cooling temperature should be 33°F to 35°F while waiting for shipment. In these conditions, cilantro should have a shelf life of at least 14 days.
For more information on growing cilantro or other cool season greens, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County Office at 863-773-2164
Further Information:
Gardening Solutions – Cilantro
Texas Agrilife Extension – Growing Cilantro
Clemson Home and Garden Information Center – Herbs
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Comments:
March 8, 2022
During the time they require the brooder they do not need a run. Constant temperature and protection from drafts is the most critical part for their development at this point.
February 18, 2022
Thank you for this! I am in the process of obtaining my first little backyard flock and am feeling a bit intimidated by this whole brooder issue. This really helped me feel more confident! I have a coop set up and ready, but also wanted to provide a run. Do these have to be connected? Can I train the birds to go into it and then back to the coop at night? Thank you for your help.
December 14, 2020
Not that I am aware. Maybe watch weather pattern differences because these can affect the germination time.
December 13, 2020
any special requirements or things to be extra aware of in zone 9B-10, im right on the cusp?
November 10, 2020
Corto y conciso, francamente maravilloso el post. Mas que nada porque para mi, familiarizarse con los requerimientos particulares de cada animal es sin dudas lo mas esencial en la cría.
March 29, 2019
Saludos: espero estar traduciendo todos mis "blogs" para el beneficio de todos! Gracias
March 29, 2019
Me da gusto que este post este en espanol espero que sigan poniendo mas
August 9, 2018
UF has also released flies to manage fire ants. Bottom line: there is nothing more effective right now than chemical control right now.
July 25, 2018
University of Texas are studying agricultural control of fire ants with a species of phorid flies. Is this something we are trying in Florida as well? Fire ant mounds are very difficult to control and they can easily take over a yard. I have tried several different product without any good results. I am trying some products by Amdro, Siege, and Extinguish next. If there were any better natural products available I would much rather use than spreading chemicals.
March 9, 2018
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