Ready to create a salsa garden? Cilantro is an essential herb in your salsa garden. It is part of the Apiaceae family. This cool season flavorful herb has pungent leaves and is very versatile.
Cilantro adds a punch to everything from steak to fish dishes. It complements everything from fruity dishes to sauces.
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Phoenix Gardening Steps: Grow Cilantro in Gardening Zone 9b
- When and how to plant cilantro
- What grows well near cilantro and what doesn’t?
- How to care for cilantro
- Harvesting cilantro- When is the ideal time to pick cilantro?
When to Plant and How to Grow Cilantro
Cilantro is an annual herb. In Phoenix seeds can be planted October through January. Transplant in February and March.
Allow space for cilantro to spread one foot wide and two feet high.
Companion Plants for Cilantro
Cilantro grows well with nearly everything, but it can be particularly beneficial for radishes and peppers. It can help to repel aphids and the plant attracts bees.
How to Care for Cilantro
Light Requirements: Cilantro likes 6-8 hours of sun.
Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile well-drained soil, however cilantro can grow in soil less than ideal as long as it has good drainage. Cilantro likes neutral and slightly acidic pH. The soil pH range of 6-7 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Cilantro doesn’t like dry soil. Water frequently so the soil stays moist, but not soggy.
When to Harvest Cilantro
Cilantro takes 60-90 days from seed to harvest. To harvest snip leaves at the base of the leaves. Never take more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.
Harvest before the plant goes to seed. If planted in October should be available to harvest in December or January.
Once the outdoor temperatures rise above 85 degrees fahrenheit, Cilantro will bolt and flower.
