This coriander is commonly called culantro. It is a leafy green plant with a spinach-like texture, but thinner and its leaves are quite rough and have a taste and aroma similar but stronger than coriander. This plant grows easily in the wild. The entire plant can be harvested, and the leaves will grow back after being picked. Culantro is used as a vegetable and herb and also as a medicinal plant to treat stomach pain or headaches. Always consult a medical professional or qualified herbalist before using this plant medicinally.
Scientific Name: eryngium foetidum
Plant Life Cycle: Annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 24C-27C
Germination time in days: 15-30 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 50-75 days
Sunlight: Shade or partial shade
Soil requirement: Well drained fertile soil. If needs improving then add good compost or well rotted manure
Sowing and cultivation: Grow on a windowsill or in a porch, greenhouse or polytunnel year round. It likes hot but shaded conditions. Surface sow and thin out early – these plants have a tap root that doesn’t like to be restricted when young. The compost needs to be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
