The Ultimate Guide for You to Grow Your Culantro Plant

Are you curious about how to grow culantro plants in your home garden or indoors? Maybe you’ve heard about this tropical herb that looks similar to cilantro but has a stronger and leaves are more aromatic, tougher and retain their flavor better when dried.

If you’re wondering how to plant it, care for it, and use it in your culinary creations, you’re in the right place! Growing culantro can be a rewarding experience for home gardeners, learn how to grow culantro in the home herb garden for a never-ending supply of sharply flavoured leaves. Let’s dive into the world of culantro and explore everything you need to know to grow this wonderful herb at home.

What is the Culantro Plant?

Culantro, scientifically known as Eryngium foetidum, is a tropical herb from the parsley family. Native to Central and South America, it has a flavor similar to cilantro, but with a much stronger, spicier punch. Unlike cilantro, which grows in a bushy form, culantro produces long, spiky leaves arranged in a rosette and can reach heights of 12-18 inches. It is a key ingredient in Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, where its bold, aromatic flavor is often featured in salsas, soups, stews, and salads.

Known by several names—such as long coriander, false coriander, recao (Spanish), langer koriander (German), ngo gai (Vietnamese), pak chi farang (Thai), and bhandhanya (Hindi)—culantro looks different from cilantro but shares a similar aroma, with the former being much more intense. Though it is typically grown as an annual, culantro is actually a biennial, meaning it can live for two years in regions where the climate is warm enough to allow it to overwinter. However, like cilantro, it tends to bolt and go to seed as the days lengthen in spring.

Key Features:

Distinctive Flavor: Culantro has a more potent, pungent flavor compared to cilantro, making it perfect for bold dishes.
Shape and Size: It has long, serrated leaves arranged in a rosette pattern.
Tropical Plant: Thrives in warm climates and requires specific growing conditions for optimal health.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for seasoning dishes such as salsas, soups, curries, and rice dishes.

Planting the Culantro Plant

Growing culantro at home is easier than you might think, but it does require the right environment. Whether you’re planting in the ground or using containers, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure your culantro thrives.

Choosing the Right Location

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) typically thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It loves heat and humidity, so it’s essential to choose a spot that mimics its natural tropical environment.

Culantro thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it suitable for areas with limited sunlight. Select a spot in your garden that receives indirect sunlight or dappled shade.

Outdoor Growing: If you’re planting culantro outdoors, select a location that receives partial to full sunlight. While culantro enjoys sunlight, it’s not ideal to expose it to the harsh midday sun for extended periods, especially in hot climates. A spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade works perfectly.
Indoor Growing: For indoor gardening, place your culantro plant near a bright window that receives indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is often ideal, but make sure the plant isn’t exposed to direct sunlight for too long.

Soil Preparation

Culantro prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and texture.

Here’s how to prepare the best soil for growing culantro:

Soil Type: A mix of garden soil, compost, and a little sand or perlite for drainage works great. You want the soil to be loose and well-draining to avoid root rot.
pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
Drainage: Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to disease and poor growth.

How to Plant Culantro

Culantro can be grown from seeds, transplants, or even cuttings. Here’s how to plant it:

Growing culantro plant from Seeds: Sow culantro seeds directly into the prepared soil or start them indoors in pots. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. If transplanting seedlings, space them accordingly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.

From Transplants: If you’re starting with young plants, space them about 6-8 inches apart. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, and water thoroughly after planting.

Container Planting Tips

Culantro grows well in containers, making it a perfect herb for urban gardeners or those with limited outdoor space. Here’s how to grow it in containers:

Pot Size: Use a container with at least a 10-inch diameter to give the roots ample space to grow.
Drainage: Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from collecting and causing root rot.
Container Material: Choose a breathable container like clay or unglazed ceramic to promote air circulation around the roots.

Growing for the Plant

Once planted, culantro requires regular attention to thrive. Here’s how to keep it healthy and growing strong.

Watering

Culantro needs consistent moisture, but it’s crucial not to overwater. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Water your plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the warmer months, you may need to water more frequently.

Tip: Avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot.

Fertilizing

Culantro doesn’t need heavy feeding, but it will benefit from occasional fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor.

Organic Options: If you prefer organic gardening, consider using compost or organic liquid fertilizers for a more sustainable approach.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune your culantro plant regularly to promote healthy growth. Trim any dead or yellowing leaves, and remove any flowers that begin to appear. Flowering signals that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle and may not produce flavorful leaves.

Tip: Keep your culantro plant in check by cutting off any long or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Winter Care

In colder climates, culantro may die back in winter but can regrow from the roots in spring. Provide protection from frost if necessary, or grow it as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

How to Harvest

Culantro can be harvested once the leaves are large enough to use, they are young and tender, usually around 8 weeks after planting. Simply cut the leaves with clean scissors, leaving about 1 inch of the stem behind. Cut the outer leaves near the base of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This will allow the plant to regrow, and you can continue harvesting throughout the growing season.

Tip: Harvest in the morning when the leaves are freshest.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them at Home

Like any plant, culantro can face a few challenges. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Pests and Diseases

Aphids and Spider Mites: These pests can sometimes infest your culantro plant. Spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap to keep them at bay.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease thrives in humid conditions. Ensure your plant has good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.

Poor Growth

Too Little Sunlight: Culantro needs plenty of light to grow well. If your plant is leggy or spindly, it might not be getting enough sunlight.
Too Much Water: Overwatering is a common mistake. Ensure your plant is in well-drained soil and avoid letting it sit in water.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies or water stress. Check the soil moisture levels and consider adding a balanced fertilizer.

FAQs About the Culantro Plant

Can I grow culantro indoors? Yes, culantro can be successfully grown indoors as long as it receives enough indirect light and moisture. Make sure to place it near a sunny window.
How long does it take for culantro to grow? Culantro typically takes about 8-12 weeks to reach harvestable size, depending on growing conditions.
Can I grow culantro from seeds? Absolutely! You can grow culantro from seeds, and it’s an easy process as long as you keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
What is the best time to plant culantro? Plant culantro during the warm months when the temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C), as it thrives in warmer conditions.

Conclusion

Growing culantro at home can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels. With the right conditions and a little attention, you’ll be able to enjoy this fragrant herb fresh from your garden or kitchen windowsill. Whether you’re using it in salsas, soups, or stews, culantro will add a bold, fresh flavor to your meals.

Remember to give your plant the warmth, moisture, and light it needs to thrive, and don’t be afraid to prune it regularly to keep it healthy. With the right care, culantro will reward you with abundant, flavorful leaves all season long.

Happy gardening!