“American Long” coriander, also known as “Cilantro” or “Chinese Parsley,” is a variety of coriander with elongated leaves and is often grown for its pungent, flavorful foliage. Here’s a guide to cultivating American Long coriander:
Growing American Long Coriander (Cilantro):
- Climate and Season:
- American Long coriander grows best in cooler weather. In warmer regions, plant it during the cooler months or in partial shade to prevent it from bolting (going to seed) too quickly in hot temperatures.
- Soil and Location:
- Choose well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Ensure the planting location receives partial to full sun.
- Planting Seeds:
- Directly sow coriander seeds into the garden or containers. Plant seeds about 1 centimeter deep and space them 10-15 centimeters apart in rows or clusters.
- Seeds germinate relatively quickly in about 7-10 days under optimal conditions.
- Watering and Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination and early growth stages.
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Fertilization:
- Mix organic compost into the soil before planting. If needed, use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season according to package instructions.
- Sunlight and Temperature:
- Provide American Long coriander with partial to full sun. It prefers cooler temperatures and might bolt prematurely in extreme heat.
- Pest and Disease Management:
- Watch for pests like aphids, caterpillars, or fungal diseases. Apply organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap as needed.
- Harvesting:
- Begin harvesting leaves when the plant reaches about 15 centimeters in height. Snip off outer leaves or stems as needed for culinary use.
- Regular harvesting encourages continuous leaf growth and prevents the plant from going to seed too quickly.
- Storage:
- Use freshly harvested American Long coriander promptly for the best flavor and aroma. If storing, coriander leaves can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Succession Planting:
- To ensure a continuous supply of fresh coriander leaves, consider successive plantings every few weeks.
Adjust care practices based on your local climate conditions and the specific needs of American Long coriander for successful growth and a bountiful harvest of flavorful leaves. Regular harvesting and proper care will promote healthy growth and extended harvesting periods.
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