What hardiness zones is Coriandrum sativum suitable for?

Coriandrum sativum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Coriandrum sativum?

Coriandrum sativum requires Full Sun.

How much water does Coriandrum sativum need?

Coriandrum sativum has Medium water needs.

Herbs

Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro

Apiaceae

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin; cultivated for approximately 7,000 years

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Width6–12 inches (15–30 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 10

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Fragrant (strong)

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Coriandrum sativum is a fast-growing, cool-season annual herb grown for both its fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander). Plants reach 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide; growth is rapid in cool weather, with leaves ready for harvest 50–55 days from sowing. The habit is upright, branching, and short-lived — plants bolt (flower and set seed) quickly, especially in warm temperatures above 75°F (24°C). Leaves are variable: lower leaves are broad and lobed, resembling flat-leaf parsley; upper leaves are feathery and pinnately dissected. Flowers are small, white to pale pink, in flat-topped compound umbels 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across. Seeds are round, 0.1–0.2 inch (2–5 mm) in diameter, tan when ripe, with a distinctive spicy aroma used in cooking. Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the harvest season. In the Pacific Northwest, cilantro performs best in spring and fall; bolts in summer heat but can be resown in August for autumn harvest.

Native Range

Coriandrum sativum is of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin, cultivated for at least 7,000 years. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest and is grown as a cool-season annual in all Pacific Northwest zones.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, raised beds, and containers for fresh leaf (cilantro) harvest and as a seed (coriander) crop. Successive sowings maintain continuous leaf harvest through spring and fall in Pacific Northwest conditions. Container growth on patios and balconies is effective with a minimum 6-inch (15 cm) pot depth.

How to Identify

Coriandrum sativum is identified by its upright annual habit; strongly aromatic foliage with variable leaf shape (broad and lobed at the base, feathery and dissected on upper stems); flat-topped white to pale-pink compound umbels; and round tan seeds 0.1–0.2 inch (2–5 mm) with a distinctive spicy aroma. Distinguished from Petroselinum crispum (parsley) by the strongly characteristic leaf scent and round seeds; distinguished from Anthriscus by leaf scent and round (not elongated) seeds.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

bright green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

SpringSummer

White to pale-pink flowers appear in small, flat-topped compound umbels 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across, 40–55 days after sowing in warm conditions or when temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C). Bolting is triggered by long days and heat. Round tan seeds ripen 2–3 weeks after flowering; harvest seed heads when seeds begin to turn brown.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

bright green; lower leaves broad and lobed, upper leaves feathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow outdoors in well-drained soil after the last hard frost, typically March–May on the west side of the Cascades. Sow seeds 0.25 inch (6 mm) deep, 2 inches (5 cm) apart; thin to 6 inches (15 cm). Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the leaf harvest before each planting bolts. Resow in August for a fall harvest. Keep soil evenly moist — drought accelerates bolting. Harvest outer leaves regularly to slow bolting. For seed (coriander) harvest, allow plants to flower and set seed, then cut entire heads when seeds begin to turn tan.

Pruning

No pruning required. Harvest outer leaves regularly; once bolting begins, the plant is left to set seed or removed and replaced with a fresh sowing.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

March–May (west Cascades) or April–May (east Cascades); resow every 2–3 weeks; resow August for fall harvest

Days to Maturity

50–55 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

peppers

spinach

dill

anise

Avoid Planting With

fennel