Spring is a good time to consider growing cilantro. One good reason to grow cilantro is because you’ll get two herbs with one plant.

When the plant leaves are harvested, the leaves are known as the herb cilantro.

Summer is also a good time to plant cilantro, but if you don’t manage the plant to keep it cool — you only will get the seeds for coriander spice.

When the seeds of the cilantro plant are harvested, the seeds are known as coriander.

Many gardeners have considered cilantro / coriander difficult to grow. This plant is different than other herbs you may have grown because of its short growing season and love of cool weather. Thus, the best and easiest times to plant cilantro are in the spring and fall.

Five years ago, when I planted cilantro for the first time, I planted my cilantro seed in well-drained soil in May, after there was no danger of frost. I was surprised how quickly the cilantro bolted. When cilantro bolts, this refers to when the cilantro plant sends up a flower stalk and then produces seeds. The cilantro leaves lose their flavor after bolting and become bitter. Since the lifespan of cilantro is short (only about six to seven weeks) my cilantro went to seed and I was not able to harvest the cilantro leaves to make fresh salsa. I also didn’t realize the seeds of the cilantro plant were the herb coriander.

After my first experience with planting cilantro, I decided I needed to find out more about growing this wonderful herb. Cilantro should be planted in an area of full sun but also needs afternoon shade. Planting seeds every two to four weeks in the spring and fall produces a better yield for continuous harvest. Harvest your cilantro leaves one third at a time.

If you want to grow cilantro now and harvest the leaves in summer, you need to plant it in a shaded / cool area of the garden. This could be up against taller plants or in a container on the patio where it only gets morning sun. The key is to keep the plants cool.

After cilantro plants bolt, the seeds will mature to a brown color. If left alone, it will naturally reseed and give you more plants in the garden. Another way to use the seeds is to allow the seed pods to turn brown. Then, harvest the seed and save it to plant in late August. Another good reason to allow the cilantro to bolt and produce flowers is because the flowers attract insects that are beneficial.

Saved cilantro seeds can be crushed for cooking and baking. This spice can be used with chicken dishes, eggs, cakes and more.

Before deciding to plant cilantro, you can find more information about planting and harvesting cilantro and coriander at http://go.osu.edu/cilantro.