The cilantro herb frequently reaches heights of up to three feet and has become very popular over the years in Tex-Mex cooking. If you only go by one look, you may think that parsley and cilantro are the same, however; once you try the sweet muskiness of cilantro you’ll know there is no comparison. It may shock you to know that cilantro (the foliage which has wonderful pink blossoms) and coriander (the herb that comes from the seeds) are from the same plant.

You can start your cilantro herb from seeds or purchase it from a local nursery, greenhouse or home improvement store. As an annual, you will want to start each year with fresh plants. I start mine in pots indoors on my kitchen windowsill when there’s still frost on the ground, and it usually takes about 7 to 10 days for the seeds to develop.

Once the weather turns sunny, I move my cilantro plants to a raised bed in my herb garden, because they prefer moist, rich sod and full sun. If your climate gets too hot, keep in mind that your cilantro does like some light shade in the heat of summer. Be warned, too much sun or too much heat will make your cilantro go bitter.

About nine weeks or so after you plant your cilantro, you will have plants with pretty lavender, white or pale pink blossoms. You can definitely wait until the weather gets warmer and then plant your cilantro directly in the earth. With sunny skies, nice temperatures and a little rain you’ll have cilantro sprouts in about two weeks.

For the strongest tastes, use your fresh cilantro in your summer meals. You can clip off a couple of leaves and either add them whole or dice them and toss in your favorite Mexican dish.

Don’t forget to dry some cilantro for your fall, winter and spring meals. Try to lop off the leaves just before the plant blooms so that the leaves will have a heavy concentration of oils. Use a drying rack for great outcomes. Remember that you’ll need more of the dried cilantro than you will the fresh because the flavor won’t be as strong.

The best way to cure the coriander seed is by hanging it upside down in a paper bag to dry. Roll the seeds between your hands to discharge the seed from its pod. Then freeze it for a minimum of 2 days before storing it in a cool, dark spot.

As one of the curry spices, you can use the crushed coriander seeds as a powder in baking, stews, soups and casseroles.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Herb Garden Plants. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.