Santo Cilantro Seeds

Santo Cilantro

Santo Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum ‘Santo’), also known simply as Cilantro or Coriander, is a fast-growing annual herb valued for its aromatic, citrusy, and slightly pungent flavor that is essential in Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The plant forms a lush clump of finely divided, bright to medium green leaves, with the lower leaves broad and flat and the upper leaves more feathery and delicate. When allowed to mature, Santo Cilantro produces airy clusters of small white flowers followed by round, tan seeds known as coriander, making it a versatile dual-purpose crop for both fresh foliage and dried spice.

Characteristics

Foliage: Soft, bright green, finely divided leaves with a fresh, citrusy-herbaceous flavor; edible and commonly used fresh in salsas, curries, salads, and garnishes.

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy clump typically 12 to 24 inches tall, with leafy stems that later branch into taller flowering stalks when the plant bolts.

Flowers & Seeds: Produces delicate umbels of tiny white to very pale pink flowers, followed by round seed clusters that dry to become coriander spice.

Flavor: Fresh, bright, slightly citrusy and pungent in the leaves, with a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor in the dried seeds.

Growing Requirements

Light: Prefers full sun in cool to mild weather; benefits from partial shade in hot climates to help delay bolting.

Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with good organic matter; neutral to slightly acidic soil is ideal for steady, leafy growth.

Water: Requires consistent, even moisture; soil should be kept lightly moist but never waterlogged to prevent stress and early bolting.

Temperature: Thrives in cool weather, generally performing best in mild spring and fall conditions; heat and long days encourage flowering.

Spacing: Sow or thin plants to about 4–8 inches apart in rows or blocks, allowing ample airflow and room for leafy growth.

Harvest: Leaves can be harvested as soon as plants are well established, often within a few weeks; seeds are collected once flower heads dry and turn brown on the plant.

Seed Sowing Tips

Sow seeds directly in the garden or containers, placing them shallowly in loosened, well-prepared soil.

Successive sowings every few weeks extend the harvest of fresh leaves through the cool season.

Enable strong stands by thinning seedlings and keeping the soil evenly moist for continuous, vigorous growth.

Shipping Info

Santo Cilantro seeds are shipped as high-quality, viable seed suitable for direct outdoor sowing or container planting, providing a dependable source of fresh, aromatic leaves and coriander seed for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.