Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
Coriander (cilantro) (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Coriander (cilantro) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 27 °C (81 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 55 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, seeds, roots |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Coriander (cilantro) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Coriander is non-toxic to people and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Coriander (cilantro)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Fennel: Fennel and coriander are reported to inhibit each other's seed set; keep them apart if you save seed. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Carrot fly: Carrot fly also attacks parsnip, celery and parsley; mesh or barriers protect them all. Evidence B
Questions about Coriander (cilantro)
- How far apart should I plant Coriander (cilantro)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Coriander (cilantro) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Coriander (cilantro) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Coriander (cilantro)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Coriander (cilantro) flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks.
- Is Coriander (cilantro) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Coriander is non-toxic to people and pets.
- What grows well with Coriander (cilantro)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Coriander (cilantro). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Bolts quickly in heat; sow in succession.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.