Ashleigh Smith + photo

Ashleigh Smith

Jan 11
2 min read
bubble 1
A bundle of culantro sitting on a wood table with some cut up on a cutting board

What is Culantro?

I’ll be honest here, the first time I saw culantro written out I thought someone had just miss-spelled cilantro. Nope. Culantro is its own awesome plant. It is a lot like cilantro though.

It is often used interchangeably with it as it shares a very citrusy flavor and aroma. Culantro is different though as it has a stronger, peppery flavor and aroma that holds up through cooking, unlike cilantro.

Culantro is most popularly used in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cooking, but it is grown in tropical zones around the world.

As it grows it will develop a rosette shape with long, 2 inch wide lance-shaped leaves. If it bolts you can see its green flowers.

Culantro is useful for more than cooking, it is also good to plant in your garden to attract beneficial insects and prevent pesky aphids. Unlike cilantro, culantro is a biennial allowing you to get more use out of one plant.

To grow culantro, plant in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. It does best in full sun but can handle partial shade as well. Ideally, culantro will want a warm tropical climate but can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-11.

Culantro seeds can be found through Kitazawa Seed Co. as they carry an array of seed for plants used in Asian cuisine.

When you are ready to harvest, cut the leaves off as you can use them. These leaves do not store well after being cut, only lasting about a week.

After bolting, remove the entire plant and allow it to dry for long term storage. Culantro seeds can usually be stored for 2 years before viability starts declining.

Other Names:

  • ngo gai
  • Shado beni
  • Chardon beni
  • Bandhaniya
  • Samat
  • Alcapate
  • Cilantro de monte
  • Cilantro habanero
  • Mexican coriander
  • Sneki wiwiri
  • Fitweed
  • Spiritweed
  • Stinkweed
  • duck -tongue herb
  • Sawtooth or saw-leaf herb
  • Broadleaf Cilantro

Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 comments

emerson

Hi from Ft Lauderdale, Florida. I found Culantro in a local Caribbean grocery store ad today. Like a lot of people it seems, I thought they misspelled cilantro. I looked it up and found your site. Thanks for the info.


  1. From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant GrowthA seedling sprouting from the soil

    From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant Growth

    Written By Lara Wadsworth There are so many different kinds of plants on the earth that it can be overwhelming at times, especially when all we are trying to do is have a successful garden. But when that garden contains 10 to 40 or more different kinds...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-10
    11 min read
    bubble 2
  2. Lara's 2024 Garden in Reviewgardener holding a carrot in a glove and a tomato plant with green fruits

    Lara's 2024 Garden in Review

    Written By Lara Wadsworth This year was only my third year having a garden to myself. Growing up, I gardened alongside my mother and grandmother, but after leaving home, I lived in apartments for many years without much space for a garden. I finally go...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-03
    13 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Cultivating Christmas TraditionsChristmas gifts, pine sprigs, and ornaments on dark background

    Cultivating Christmas Traditions

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-26
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  4. Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Actiongiving tuesday header and person handing off a box of greens

    Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Action

    There are a million ways to make the world better. But nothing can happen without action. The best way to make a difference is to start serving, donating, and seeing the people who are within your reach. Big, honorable stories often begin with someone ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-19
    3 min read
    bubble 1