Coriandrum sativum
Coriandrum sativum
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Pl. BE2E — Coriandrum sativum
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IOverview
Overview
Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as cilantro or coriander, is an annual herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, and Turkey. This plant thrives in light (sandy) and medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring dry to moist conditions. With a height of about 0.5 meters and a width of 0.66 meters, cilantro is known for its edible leaves and seeds, widely used in culinary dishes around the world. Its light hardiness range from zones 2 to 11 allows it to grow in various climates, though it typically requires spacing of 5 cm between plants for optimal growth.
Quick answers
What is Coriandrum sativum?
Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as cilantro or coriander, is an annual herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, and Turkey. This plant thrives in light (sandy) and medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Coriandrum sativum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Coriandrum sativum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Coriandrum sativum has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort, often prepared as a tea or decoction.
The plant contains compounds such as coriander alcohol and linalool which may help relax smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially aiding digestion. However, the exact mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Coriandrum sativum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Coriandrum sativum thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5 and prefers partial shade to full sun. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 2 to 11. Water the plant moderately, ensuring it stays dry but not overly moist. Space plants about 5 cm apart for best growth. Harvest leaves and seeds when mature, typically after 45-60 days. The plant grows up to 0.5 meters tall with a spread of 0.66 meters.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
2-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m × 0.66 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
- Germination
- 5-10 days
- Days to maturity
- 45-60
- Spacing
- 5cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Coriandrum sativum for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow coriander for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Coriandrum sativum seeds, small pots or garden bed, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or start indoors a month before outdoor planting.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring containers are at least 30 cm wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 5 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to prevent seedlings from drying out.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Thin plants if they become overcrowded.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back the top leaves when the plant is about 15 cm tall to encourage bushy growth and harvest leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting thinning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Essential OilFire starterantifungalPest controloilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 20 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 20 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 10 native· 20 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (4)AustriaBelarusPortugalSpain
Asia9 regions
native (6)AfghanistanIranPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaIndia
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)AlgeriaAngolaCabo VerdeCameroon
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Sinai, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Arizona, Brazil South, Argentina South, Baltic States, Argentina Northwest, California, Cape Provinces, Argentina Northeast, Andaman Is.
VIIIGarden companions
2 pairs
Garden companions
2 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Keep away from these
Avoid planting nearby — competition, allelopathy, or shared pests/diseases.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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