Overview

Embark on a delightful gardening journey with our premium long leaf cilantro seeds, also widely recognized as Recao or Culantro. This 100-seed pack provides an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced gardeners to cultivate a unique and highly aromatic herb that is a staple in many global cuisines, particularly in Latin American and Asian dishes. Unlike its close relative, traditional cilantro, Recao boasts a stronger, more pungent flavor and aroma, making it a standout ingredient. Its long, serrated leaves are not only visually distinct but also hold up better during cooking, retaining their robust taste. Growing your own long leaf cilantro seeds ensures a fresh, consistent supply of this versatile herb, perfect for enhancing salsas, stews, and marinades. These seeds are carefully selected to ensure high germination rates, promising a rewarding harvest.

The botanical name for Recao is Eryngium foetidum, and it’s sometimes referred to as ‘broadleaf coriander’ or ‘spiny coriander’ due to its unique leaf structure. Despite its common name ‘cilantro’, it belongs to a different genus but shares a similar flavor profile, albeit more intense and long-lasting. This makes it an invaluable addition to any herb garden, offering a distinct culinary experience. Starting from recao seeds for planting is a cost-effective and satisfying way to bring this exotic flavor to your kitchen and garden.

Key Benefits

Growing long leaf cilantro seeds offers a multitude of benefits, from enhancing your culinary creations to enriching your gardening experience. Here are some of the standout advantages:

• Exceptional Flavor Profile: Recao provides a much stronger and more enduring flavor than common cilantro, making it an excellent choice for dishes that require a robust herbaceous note. Its distinct aroma can elevate a wide range of recipes, from Caribbean stews to Vietnamese pho.
• Extended Harvest Period: Unlike regular cilantro which tends to bolt quickly in warm weather, culantro seeds produce plants that are more heat-tolerant, allowing for a longer harvesting period and a more consistent supply of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
• Versatile Culinary Use: The pungent leaves are perfect for cooking, as their flavor holds up well under heat. Use them in marinades, soups, stir-fries, and traditional dishes where a powerful herb is desired. They can also be used fresh in salads or as a garnish.
• Easy to Grow from Seed: These long leaf cilantro seeds are relatively easy to germinate and grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest with minimal effort. The clear instructions provided ensure a successful planting experience.
• Health Benefits: Like many herbs, Recao is known for its potential health benefits, including being a source of vitamins and antioxidants. Incorporating fresh herbs into your diet is a great way to boost overall wellness.
• Garden Appeal: The unique, strap-like leaves of the Recao plant add an interesting textural element to herb gardens or mixed planting beds. It’s an attractive plant that also serves a practical purpose.
• Sustainable & Cost-Effective: Growing your own herbs from recao seeds for planting is a sustainable practice that reduces packaging waste and saves money compared to continuously buying fresh herbs from the store.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To successfully cultivate long leaf cilantro seeds, understanding their specific needs is crucial. Recao thrives in warm, humid conditions and requires ample sunlight to flourish. Plant your seeds in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. While it enjoys warmth, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching and prolong the harvest. Good air circulation is also beneficial to prevent fungal issues. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 75-85°F (24-29°C), making it well-suited for many tropical and subtropical regions, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler zones.

When it comes to soil, culantro seeds prefer a rich, well-draining soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. A loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist, especially during germination and early growth stages. Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly; a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush leaf growth but might reduce the intensity of the flavor. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or slugs, and address them with organic pest control methods if necessary. Knowing how to grow recao successfully involves consistent attention to these environmental factors.

Size & Details

This pack contains 100 long leaf cilantro seeds, providing a generous quantity for multiple plantings or a sizable herb patch. Once germinated, the plants typically grow to a height of 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) and spread about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) wide, forming a compact rosette of leaves. The germination period for these recao seeds for planting is generally 15-20 days under optimal conditions, with the first harvest usually possible around 80 days after planting. The seeds should be planted about 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. These seeds are shipped in a protective packet to ensure their viability upon arrival. With a moderate growth rate, you’ll be enjoying fresh, aromatic leaves before you know it. The plants are robust and maintain their flavor well, even as they mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: Long leaf cilantro plants typically reach a height of 8 to 12 inches and spread about 6 to 8 inches wide, forming a dense rosette of leaves. They are generally compact and fit well in garden beds or containers.
• Q: What is the best way to plant these seeds? A: Plant your long leaf cilantro seeds about 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 6 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within 15-20 days.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While Recao thrives outdoors in warm, sunny conditions, it can also be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights, especially in cooler climates. It’s versatile for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: These plants prefer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching and extend the harvest season for your culantro seeds.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, long leaf cilantro is considered relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for beginners. Its main requirements are consistent moisture, good drainage, and plenty of sunlight.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your recao seeds for planting will arrive in a sealed, protective packet, ensuring their freshness and viability. They are ready to be planted upon arrival.
• Q: Can I use long leaf cilantro in cooking? A: Absolutely! Long leaf cilantro is prized for its strong, distinctive flavor and is a staple in many Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. It’s excellent in stews, soups, salsas, and marinades.
• Q: How long until I can harvest the leaves? A: You can typically begin harvesting the outer leaves of your long leaf cilantro plants approximately 80 days after planting the seeds. Consistent harvesting encourages further growth.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: Recao is a tropical herb and is not frost-tolerant. It prefers temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). In colder zones, it should be grown as an annual or brought indoors during winter.
• Q: What makes Recao different from regular cilantro? A: Recao (long leaf cilantro) has a much stronger, more pungent flavor and aroma than regular cilantro. Its leaves are longer and serrated, and the plant is more heat-tolerant, making it less prone to bolting.