Quick facts
| Arabic name | الكزبرة |
|---|---|
| English name | Coriander (Cilantro) |
| Scientific name | Coriandrum sativum |
| Family | Carrot family (Apiaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual herb |
| Height | 30 to 60 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to November
Harvest time
November to February
Cut leaves after about 40 daysJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Lower leaves are wide and lobed, upper leaves are thin. Small white or pink flowers in umbrellas and round seeds.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens in winter.
Soil
Light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Moderate regular watering.
Climate and light
Likes cool mild weather. Heat makes it flower early.
Propagation
By seed sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Leaves flavor salads and dishes
- Seeds are a well-known spice
- Grows fast
- Flowers attract helpful insects
Drawbacks
- Short leaf season
- Does not handle heat
- Some people dislike its taste
Important notes
Sow every 3 weeks to always have fresh leaves.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Coriandrum sativum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Coriandrum sativum
- Wikipedia: Coriander
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)