Top 20 Varieties of Coriander (Cilantro) to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a versatile herb used in various cuisines worldwide, from Mexican salsa to Indian curries. The leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are both edible, with the leaves offering a fresh, citrusy flavor and the seeds providing a warm, nutty taste when ground or used whole. Coriander is a cool-season crop that grows quickly and easily, making it an excellent addition to herb gardens. Whether you’re looking for slow-bolting varieties or those bred for leaf production, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Here’s your guide to the top 20 coriander varieties to grow, with helpful tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Coriander (Cilantro) Varieties to Grow

1. Santo

Tips: Santo thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent bolting.
Facts: This popular variety is known for its slow-bolting traits, making it ideal for longer harvests of fresh cilantro leaves. It matures in about 50-55 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

2. Calypso

Tips: Calypso grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage leaf production.
Facts: One of the slowest-bolting cilantro varieties, Calypso produces large, flavorful leaves perfect for salsas, salads, and garnishes. It matures in about 50-55 days.

3. Cruiser

Tips: Cruiser prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the plant from bolting.
Facts: Cruiser is a slow-bolting variety that produces wide, dark green leaves with a strong cilantro flavor. It matures in about 50-55 days and is great for cooking or fresh use.

4. Leisure

Tips: Leisure grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This variety is known for its fast growth and strong, aromatic leaves. Leisure matures in about 50 days and is perfect for adding to curries, soups, and salads.

5. Jantar

Tips: Jantar thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote leaf production.
Facts: This slow-bolting variety produces flavorful, dark green leaves and matures in about 45-50 days. It’s ideal for fresh eating, salsas, or garnishing dishes.

6. Caribe

Tips: Caribe prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage lush leaf growth.
Facts: Caribe is known for its heat tolerance and slow-bolting characteristics, making it ideal for warmer climates. It matures in about 50-55 days and produces tender, flavorful leaves.

7. Confetti

Tips: Confetti grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the leaves tender.
Facts: This unique variety produces finely divided, fern-like leaves with a mild cilantro flavor. It matures in about 45-50 days and is perfect for adding a decorative touch to salads or garnishes.

8. Moroccan

Tips: Moroccan thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure tender leaves.
Facts: This variety produces both flavorful cilantro leaves and aromatic coriander seeds. It matures in about 45-50 days for leaves and 100 days for seeds, making it versatile for both uses.

9. Pokey Joe

Tips: Pokey Joe prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the plant from bolting.
Facts: This slow-bolting variety produces large, broad leaves with a strong cilantro flavor. It’s great for extended harvests and matures in about 50 days.

10. Delfino

Tips: Delfino grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage lush leaf growth.
Facts: This variety produces delicate, fern-like leaves with a mild cilantro flavor. It matures in about 45 days and is perfect for garnishing or adding to salads and soups.

11. Vietnamese Cilantro (Persicaria odorata)

Tips: Vietnamese cilantro thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the leaves tender.
Facts: This tropical herb is not a true cilantro but has a similar flavor with a spicier, lemony note. It grows quickly in warm climates and is perfect for fresh salads and Vietnamese dishes.

12. Slo Bolt

Tips: Slo Bolt grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to prevent the plant from bolting prematurely.
Facts: As the name suggests, this variety is slow to bolt, making it ideal for longer growing seasons. It produces flavorful leaves that are perfect for fresh use and matures in about 50 days.

13. Bodegas

Tips: Bodegas thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage strong leaf production.
Facts: This variety is known for its slow-bolting characteristics and strong cilantro flavor. It matures in about 45-50 days and is great for fresh use or drying.

14. Kivumbasi

Tips: Kivumbasi prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote healthy growth.
Facts: Kivumbasi is known for its large, flavorful leaves and slow-bolting traits, making it ideal for warmer climates. It matures in about 50 days and is great for cooking or fresh use.

15. Passion

Tips: Passion grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the plant from bolting.
Facts: This variety produces wide, dark green leaves with a strong, fresh flavor. It matures in about 45-50 days and is ideal for fresh eating, salsas, or garnishing dishes.

16. Dania

Tips: Dania thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure lush leaf growth.
Facts: Dania is a slow-bolting variety that produces dark green, broad leaves with a strong cilantro flavor. It’s perfect for extended harvests and matures in about 50-55 days.

17. Aromato

Tips: Aromato grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent the plant from bolting.
Facts: This variety produces fragrant, flavorful leaves and is known for its high seed production. It matures in about 45-50 days for leaves and up to 100 days for coriander seeds.

18. Indian Summer

Tips: Indian Summer prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage leaf production.
Facts: This variety is bred for hot climates and is slow to bolt, making it perfect for summer planting. It matures in about 45-50 days and is great for cooking or fresh use.

19. Caraway Leaf

Tips: Caraway Leaf thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the leaves tender.
Facts: This variety is known for its fern-like leaves with a mild caraway flavor. It matures in about 40-45 days and is perfect for garnishing, adding a unique twist to dishes.

20. Standby

Tips: Standby grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote healthy leaf growth.
Facts: This variety is known for its slow-bolting traits and high yield of flavorful leaves. It matures in about 50-55 days and is perfect for fresh use or drying.

Common Questions About Growing Coriander (Cilantro)

Q: When should I plant coriander (cilantro)?
A: Coriander is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. It prefers temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C). For continuous harvests, plant seeds every few weeks.

Q: Can I grow coriander in containers?
A: Yes, coriander can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 8-12 inches deep with good drainage. Choose slow-bolting varieties like ‘Calypso’ or ‘Santo’ for extended harvests.

Q: How long does coriander take to grow?
A: Coriander typically takes 40-55 days to mature for leaf harvest (cilantro). If you’re growing for seeds (coriander), it can take up to 90-100 days for the seeds to develop.

Q: How do I know when coriander is ready to harvest?
A: Cilantro leaves are ready to harvest when the plants are 6-8 inches tall. For coriander seeds, wait until the flower heads turn brown and the seeds dry out. Cut the seed heads and allow them to dry further before storing.

Q: How do I store harvested coriander (cilantro)?**
A: Fresh cilantro leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the leaves or dry them for future use. Coriander seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.