Cilantro is a fast growing annual in the Apiaceae family, related to carrots, parsley, and celery. It is most commonly grown for its fragrant leaves, but is also grown for seed, known as coriander. There are a number of cilantro varieties; though some nurseries and seed companies do not specify the type of cilantro they sell, certain varieties are actually preferable for your climate.
With a long culinary and medicinal history, cilantro has been grown around the globe for thousands of years. It is believed to originate from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Some current archaeological evidence has led some to believe that the cilantro was even cultivated in ancient Egypt. Also called Chinese parsley, cilantro is a predominant herb in many types of foods; including Asian, Latin American, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Aside from providing a healthy, flavorful addition to many dishes, cilantro is a very attractive and fairly easy plant to care for in the garden. The delicate foliage provides texture to any edible landscape, and flowering cilantro plants create beautiful white flower clusters. Garden Zeus recommends planting cilantro every few weeks so you can always have a fresh supply at hand. Keep your cilantro planted close to your kitchen, so you will be encouraged to harvest fresh handfuls for your meals. Fresh coriander seed is incomparable to dry seed purchased at the store; only a few plants are needed to produce ample coriander seeds for a whole family to use.