Quick summary
- This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to successfully grow cilantro in Florida, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, flavorful leaves for your culinary creations.
- Cilantro, a member of the parsley family, is a cool-season annual, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and completes its life cycle within a year.
- Cilantro is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, bright flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
Florida’s warm climate and abundant sunshine make it an ideal location for growing a variety of herbs, including the beloved cilantro. But with its humid summers and occasional bouts of intense heat, cultivating this delicate herb can be a bit of a challenge. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to successfully grow cilantro in Florida, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, flavorful leaves for your culinary creations.
Understanding Cilantro’s Preferences
Cilantro, a member of the parsley family, is a cool-season annual, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and completes its life cycle within a year. While Florida’s winters provide the optimal growing conditions for cilantro, with a bit of strategic planning, you can enjoy fresh cilantro even during the warmer months.
Choosing the Right Cilantro Variety
Not all cilantro varieties are created equal. Some are better suited for specific climates than others. In Florida, consider these varieties:
- “Long Standing” Cilantro: This variety is known for its tolerance to heat and humidity, making it a good choice for Florida’s summer months.
- “Slobolt” Cilantro: This fast-growing variety matures quickly, allowing you to harvest leaves within a month of planting.
- “Calypso” Cilantro: This variety boasts a strong, flavorful aroma and is known for its resistance to bolting (going to seed), which can affect the flavor of the leaves.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Cilantro prefers a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in Florida’s scorching summers, it’s best to choose a spot that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Preparing the Soil
Cilantro thrives in loose, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5). Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
Planting Your Cilantro Seeds
- Timing: The ideal time to plant cilantro in Florida is during the cooler months, from October to March. However, you can still plant cilantro in the spring and fall if you provide some shade and adequate watering.
- Spacing: Sow cilantro seeds directly into the ground, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
- Depth: Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Providing the Right Care
- Watering: Cilantro needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Aim to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilizing: A light application of balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks can help promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to bitter-tasting leaves.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your cilantro plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Your Cilantro
- Timing: Cilantro is ready for harvest about 6-8 weeks after planting.
- Method: Harvest the leaves by snipping them off at the base, leaving a few inches of stem intact to encourage new growth.
Avoiding Common Cilantro Growing Challenges
- Bolting: Cilantro can bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather, resulting in bitter-tasting leaves. To prevent bolting, try planting cilantro in the fall or winter, providing shade during the hottest part of the day, and harvesting frequently to encourage new growth.
- Pests: Aphids and leafhoppers can be a problem for cilantro. You can deter these pests by planting cilantro near garlic or onions, which have a natural repellent effect.
- Diseases: Powdery mildew can affect cilantro in humid climates. To prevent powdery mildew, provide good air circulation around your plants and avoid overwatering.
A Final Word: Enjoying Your Cilantro Harvest
Cilantro is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, bright flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Use it in salsas, chutneys, curries, soups, and stir-fries. You can also add chopped cilantro to dips, sandwiches, and salads.
The Final Harvest: Cilantro Success in Florida
Growing cilantro in Florida may require a bit of extra effort, but the reward of fresh, flavorful leaves is well worth it. By understanding cilantro’s preferences, choosing the right variety, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this beloved herb year-round.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I grow cilantro in containers?
A: Yes, cilantro can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: What can I do if my cilantro plants bolt?
A: Once cilantro bolts, it’s best to harvest the seeds and start fresh with a new planting.
Q: How long does cilantro last in the refrigerator?
A: Cilantro can last up to a week in the refrigerator if stored properly. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
Q: Can I dry cilantro?
A: Yes, you can dry cilantro by hanging the leaves in a cool, dark place or by using a food dehydrator. Dried cilantro can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year.
