Herbs are often used in spicy foods to give them distinct flavor and taste. One of the herbs that add a refreshing taste to many Asian, Mexican, and Tex-Mexican dishes is the
Cilantro Leaves, which is part of the plant belonging to parsley family. These bright green leaves both season and garnish stir-fry recipes and noodles of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Meanwhile, coriander, the seeds of the plant, is great for seasoning while the dainty white flowers of the plant are edible garnishments for sorbets and salads.
For many, it is an endeavor to grow a cilantro plant. The plant requires proper attention and care and if given its needed caring, harvesting the leaves and seeds become easy. If you want to
Grow Cilantro on your backyard, understand that these plants grow and seed very quickly. Plant them continuously throughout the growing season, which is during spring and fall. Plant the seeds a few inches a part in a place where they have enough sun and shade during the morning and afternoon. Keep the plants closer so that when they grow, the leaves can provide shade to the roots and keep the roots cool. For optimum growth, keep the soil well-drenched and moist. For added nutrients, add a bit mulch or compost to the bed. This also adds and extra layer of protection for the roots.
Wait until the plant reaches six inches before you harvest the leaves. Choose the leaves that are further from the central stalk. This will allow the smaller leaves to grow and mature. Cut the leaves sparingly if you want to harvest the coriander seeds. If you do not want the seeds, trim the flower heads off the plant. The coriander starts sprouting in seven to 10 days. Now, you can begin the weekly harvest of the plants. Trim off the flower heads when the start growing to prolong the growth of the leaves. Usually, you will be able to harvest the leaves two or three times before the plants begin to seed.
Make sure to make good use of the cilantro when you learn
How to Grow Cilantro and how to harvest them. Use them fresh on your dishes for they lose their flavour when they are not used immediately. When you suspect the plants of being infested with bugs or disease, discard the plants immediately and plant new ones.