Coriandrum sativum

Coriandrum sativum — coriander (cilantro)

Coriandrum sativum is the botanical name for coriander, a fast aromatic annual that gives two distinct flavours from one plant: the fresh leaf, known as cilantro, and the warm, citrusy seed used as a spice. It is the species behind our coriander range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Coriander is one of the oldest herbs and spices known, native to the eastern Mediterranean and south-western Asia. Its seeds have been found in Bronze Age sites and in Egyptian tombs, including that of Tutankhamun, and it is mentioned in ancient texts and the Bible. Carried by the Romans across their empire, it became a staple from Europe to India, South-East Asia and the Americas, where it is now central to countless cuisines.

Its name comes from the Greek koriannon; the sativum simply means “cultivated.”

Botanical characteristics

A slender annual, coriander first forms soft, rounded lower leaves — the cilantro of the kitchen — before sending up finer, feathery foliage and flat umbels of small white flowers, which then set the round seeds. It runs to flower quickly in heat, so leaf and seed crops are often grown separately. The flowers are a fine nectar source for beneficial insects, and the plant sits comfortably among our aromatic and annual herbs.

Growing Coriandrum sativum from seed

Sow direct, as coriander dislikes root disturbance and bolts if checked. For leaf, sow little and often in cooler conditions and pick young; for seed, let plants flower and ripen in summer sun. Keep it watered to delay bolting. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover sowing and care.

Ready to grow coriander? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Coriander · Culinary Herbs · Aromatic Herbs · Annual Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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