PL. —Coriandrum sativumBotanical illustration — drop image

Coriandrum sativum

Caribe Cilantro

SpringFall

2a–10bHardiness zone

Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks

Winter

Peak bloom

Spring

Not in bloom

Summer

Not in bloom

Fall

Not in bloom

Peak bloom

In bloom

Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks

Winter

Peak bloom

Spring

Not in bloom

Summer

Not in bloom

Fall

Not in bloom

Peak bloom

In bloom

Background

Cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts rapidly once heat arrives — the goal is to stay ahead of it with succession sowings every two weeks. Sow from mid-March through mid-April, then stop when temperatures climb above 80°F. Resume succession sowing in August as the heat breaks for a full fall crop. Caribe is a slow-bolt variety that gives more leaf before flowering than standard types.

Good companions

Radiant Radish Mix Metta Lettuce Mix Black Turtle Bean Garden Pea Tomato

Keep apart

Bronze Fennel

Care guide

SunFull sun in spring/fall; partial shade in summer

WaterRegular; consistent moisture delays bolting

SoilAverage, well-draining

Spacing4–6 inches

Height12–24 inches

Zone2a – 10b

WinterAnnual — self-seeds readily if allowed to set seed.

Direct sowFrost hardy

Seasonal tasks

winter

sowSuccession sow — direct sow as soon as soil is workable; cilantro germinates well in cool soil; sow every ~2 weeks until heat risk

spring

sowSuccession sow — direct sow as soon as soil is workable; cilantro germinates well in cool soil; sow every ~2 weeks until heat risk

watchStop sowing — cilantro bolts in summer heat; pause through midsummer

summer

watchMark bolted plants for seed saving — let flower umbels form and set seed rather than pulling

cutHarvest seed heads when tan and papery — cut whole stems into a paper bag, hang to finish drying; thresh and store for fall sowing or culinary use

sowSuccession sow — resume as the heat breaks for a fall crop, through the last sow before frost

Common problems

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.

Damping Off

Symptoms

Seedlings collapse at the soil line with thin, water-soaked stems; seeds may fail to emerge or rot before sprouting.

Treatment

Sow in well-draining mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure good airflow. Remove affected seedlings and let the surface dry between waterings.

Angular Leaf Spot

Symptoms

Small water-soaked spots on leaves that turn brown and angular, bounded by leaf veins. Spots may dry and drop out, leaving holes. Fruit can develop small sunken lesions.

Treatment

Avoid overhead watering and working among wet plants. Remove infected leaves, rotate crops on a 2–3 year cycle, and use copper-based sprays if the disease spreads.