Live Cilantro Grown Year Round in Calgary, AB
Live cilantro has an intensely herbaceous flavor with notes of citrus and pepper. While this pungent herb tastes fresh and leafy to many, to others cilantro tastes like soap. This annual herb is most frequently used in Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Carribean cooking, particularly Mexican, Spanish, and Indian cuisine. Both the stems and leaves of the plant can be used in either their raw or cooked form. However, cilantro is generally preferred raw given its delicate structure, and the fresh leaves are frequently used as a garnish.
This leafy herb is packed with vitamin K and minerals like potassium, manganese, and folate. Cilantro is also rich in a variety of antioxidants, like lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, all of which may help to protect the body against harmful free radical damage.
Caring For Your Live Cilantro Plant
Days to Maturity: 45-70 days
Height: 18 Inches (45 cm)
Light: Full Sun/part shade. Great performance under full spectrum LED grow lights
Media Type: Organic Soil
Soil Requirements: Rick, loamy, well-drained soil
Watering: Keep moist at all time. Water every 3-4 days
Fertilizing: Balanced fertilizer blend ideal for vegetative growth.
Harvesting Your Live Cilantro
Step 1: Wait until your cilantro is 4″-6″ tall and select the stems that have developed three segments of leaves at the end of the stem. Since cilantro is a quick-growing plant, select the leaves stems that are attached to leaves that could shadow or shade other parts of the plant.
Step 2: Using a sharp pair of scissors or cutting sheers, cut your live cilantro stems at the base of the plant. You will likely notice smaller shoots developing at the plant’s base, so if possible, create room for these shoots to grow without any obstruction.
Step 3: Remove the cut sprigs and place the plant back into a cool, partially sunny window or back outdoors. Your cilantro plant will be ready for another harvest in another week.
