The Ultimate Guide: How to Easily Grow Mexican Coriander in Your Backyard

Mexican coriander, also known as cilantro, is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. Its bright, fresh flavor adds a distinct zest to dishes, from salsas and guacamole to curries and stir-fries. If you’re looking to add a touch of culinary magic to your garden, learning how to grow Mexican coriander is a rewarding endeavor. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from seed to harvest, ensuring you have a bountiful supply of this aromatic herb.

Choosing the Right Location and Soil

Mexican coriander thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It prefers a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can amend it with lime. Before planting, ensure the soil is loose and free of debris.

Starting from Seed

Mexican coriander is best grown from seed. Sow the seeds directly into the garden after the last frost or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. For indoor starts, use seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix.

Direct Sowing

• Timing: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, typically in spring or early summer.
• Depth: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days.

Starting Indoors

• Timing: Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
• Containers: Use seed trays or individual pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Depth: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist.
• Light: Provide plenty of bright, indirect light.
• Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, increasing the time over several days.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, it’s time to transplant them outdoors.

• Timing: Transplant seedlings after the last frost, typically in spring or early summer.
• Spacing: Space seedlings 6-8 inches apart.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Providing Optimal Care

Mexican coriander flourishes with proper care. Here are some essential tips:

Watering

• Consistency: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Drainage: Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing

• Frequency: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Type: Choose a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen, as excessive nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of flavor.

Weeding

• Regularly: Remove weeds promptly to prevent them from competing with Mexican coriander for nutrients and water.

Pest Control

• Monitor: Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Organic Solutions: Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, if necessary.

Harvesting and Storing

Harvest Mexican coriander leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

Harvesting

• Timing: Harvest leaves as needed, snipping them just above the soil line.
• Frequency: You can harvest leaves multiple times from the same plant.

Storing

• Refrigeration: Store fresh leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze leaves in airtight containers for longer storage.

Maximizing Your Harvest

Here are some additional tips to maximize your Mexican coriander harvest:

• Successive Planting: Sow seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
• Pinch Back: Pinch off flower buds to encourage leafy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

The End of the Harvest: What to Do After

Once your Mexican coriander plant starts to bolt, or produce flower stalks, its flavor will become bitter. You have a few options at this point:

• Harvest Seeds: If you want to save seeds for future plantings, allow the plant to flower and produce seeds. Harvest the seeds when they are brown and dry.
• Compost: You can compost the entire plant, adding nutrients back to your garden.
• Start Anew: You can pull out the old plant and start a new one by sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I grow Mexican coriander in a pot?
A: Yes, Mexican coriander can be successfully grown in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and ensure it has drainage holes.
Q: How often should I water my Mexican coriander?
A: Water your Mexican coriander regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the size of the pot.
Q: What does it mean when my Mexican coriander plant bolts?
A: Bolting occurs when the plant produces flower stalks and seeds. This usually happens when the plant is exposed to hot temperatures or long days.
Q: How do I save seeds from my Mexican coriander plant?
A: Allow the plant to flower and produce seeds. Harvest the seeds when they are brown and dry. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Q: What are some common pests of Mexican coriander?
A: Common pests of Mexican coriander include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Monitor your plants regularly and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Growing Mexican coriander is a rewarding experience that brings a burst of flavor to your kitchen. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile herb year after year.