Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Also known asCoriander · Chinese parsley · Coriander leaves · Dhania · Cilantro fresco
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–11 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- tolerates light frost
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: light.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.3 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
One of the most commonly grown hydroponic herbs, but also one of the most frustrating due to rapid bolting. EC 1.0-1.8 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 10–22°C (critical: above 24°C, cilantro bolts within days, producing flowers instead of the leafy growth you want). Low to moderate light (DLI 12-16 mol/m2/day; excessive light and heat accelerate bolting). NFT, DWC, Kratky, and raft systems all work. From seed to first leaf harvest: 3-4 weeks (baby) or 5-6 weeks (full-sized). Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous supply because each planting's productive leaf-harvest window is only 2-3 weeks before bolting. Slow-bolt varieties ('Calypso', 'Long Standing', 'Santo') extend the leaf harvest by 1-2 weeks. If the plant bolts, you can either harvest the green seeds (which have a bright, citrusy flavor used in some cuisines) or let them dry for coriander seed. The taproot does not transplant well; direct seed into the final growing position. For commercial hydroponic herb growers, cilantro is a high-volume, high-demand crop that requires disciplined succession planting to maintain consistent supply.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo | open pollinated | 45 | The slowest-bolting standard cilantro. Good leaf-yield window before flowering, around 4-6 weeks under spring conditions. Succession-plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. |
| Calypso | open pollinated | 50 | The slowest-bolting cilantro available, holds in leaf 3 weeks longer than Santo before flowering. Compact habit (35cm), suits containers. Pricier seed but worth it for summer growing. |
| Confetti | open pollinated | 50 | Feathery dill-like foliage rather than the standard parsley-shaped cilantro leaf. Same flavor. Bolt timing similar to Santo. Useful as an ornamental cilantro in mixed plantings. |