Cilantro is a fast, cool-season hydroponic herb grown for fresh leaves and tender stems; it does best in NFT, raft, ebb-and-flow, or drip systems when kept cool.
Varieties
Variety
Latin Name
Slow-bolt cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Santo cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Calypso cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Leisure cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Lookalikes
Lookalike
Latin Name
Description
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Similar flat divided leaves at young stages, but parsley has a grassy peppery aroma rather than cilantro's citrusy scent.
Celery leaf
Apium graveolens
Related carrot-family herb with aromatic divided leaves, but stronger celery scent and thicker stalks.
Edible Parts
Part
Use
Description
Toxicity
Leaves
Primary edible herb used fresh in salads, salsas, curries, soups, and garnishes.
Harvest young outer leaves or cut whole plants before bolting for best flavor and tenderness.
Generally edible in normal culinary amounts.
Tender stems
Edible herb component used with leaves.
Young stems are flavorful and commonly chopped with leaves in fresh preparations.
Generally edible in normal culinary amounts.
Seeds
Coriander spice when mature and dried.
Seeds develop after flowering and are harvested dry for spice.
Generally edible as a culinary spice.
Propagation
Part
Method
Description
Seed
Direct sowing or starter plugs
Sow seeds shallowly into moist plugs or media; split seed clusters may improve germination uniformity.
Growing Parameters
Parameter
Range
Optimal
Unit
pH
5.8 - 7.0
6.0 - 6.5
pH
Electrical conductivity
1.0 - 2.2
1.2 - 1.8
mS/cm
Air temperature
8 - 24
15 - 20
°C
Daily light integral
10 - 18
12 - 16
mol/m²/day
Cultivation
Aspect
Compatibility
Notes
Nutrient film technique
High
Well suited for leafy cilantro if kept cool with reliable flow and frequent harvests.
Deep water culture
High
Works well in raft systems with good aeration and cool water.
Ebb and flow
High
Suitable in plugs or shallow media beds when moisture is steady.
Identification
Growth habit: Cool-season annual herb grown for tender leaves before bolting; plants form leafy stems and quickly elongate under heat or long days.
Leaves: Lower leaves are broad and lobed, while upper leaves become finely divided and feathery as the plant prepares to flower.
Aroma: Fresh citrusy, pungent aroma that is distinctive; flavor perception varies among people.