Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Fast-growing herb that bolts quickly in heat. Sow successionally every 2-3 weeks for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
Overview
Companion Planting
Pea
Lettuce
Spinach
FennelToxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats according to the ASPCA; large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.
Planting Tips
1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.
Care Tip: Mulch to keep roots cool and delay bolting; pinch off flower stalks to extend leaf harvest.
Common Pests
Aphids
Symptoms: Dense clusters on new growth and flower buds; leaves curl, pucker, and may develop sticky honeydew.
Treatment: Blast off with a strong water jet or spray with insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Prevention: Maintain good field sanitation, avoid excess nitrogen fertilization, and inspect plants regularly.
Whiteflies
Symptoms: Tiny white insects on leaf undersides; yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, and black sooty mold.
Treatment: Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap sprays; remove heavily infested leaves.
Prevention: Keep growing area clean of plant debris and use reflective mulches to deter landing.
Beet Armyworm
Symptoms: Irregular holes chewed in leaves; silk webbing and frass on foliage, mostly in late summer.
Treatment: Hand-pick larvae or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to affected plants.
Prevention: Use row covers during peak moth activity and remove nearby weeds that harbor eggs.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot
Symptoms: Yellowish, water-soaked lesions that turn tan or dark brown; leaves dry out and become papery.
Treatment: Remove and destroy infected leaves; apply copper-based bactericide if infection is widespread.
Prevention: Use certified disease-free seed, water at the base of plants, and avoid working with wet foliage.
Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, starting on older foliage and spreading rapidly.
Treatment: Spray with sulfur-based fungicide or a baking-soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon of water) every 7–14 days.
Prevention: Ensure good air circulation, plant in full sun, and water in the morning so foliage dries quickly.
Damping Off
Symptoms: Water-soaked spots on seedling stems; seeds rot before germinating or seedlings collapse at soil level.
Treatment: No cure once established; remove affected seedlings immediately to prevent spread.
Prevention: Use sterile seed-starting mix, avoid overwatering, and provide good ventilation and adequate light.