In my experience, cilantro has been of the most difficult herbs to grow.
The
biggest problem is with premature bolting of course, but it also has
problems with its crown extending too high above the soil (not planting
deep
enough?).
The common answer I get is that it too hot in summer for cilantro to
thrive.
But this cannot be the case because the herb is grown in profusion all
over
the tropics, and is a standard herb in tropical Asia, Mexico, and South
America. On the other hand, it is relatively rare in temperate climates;
at
least, its use as an herb. Another friend said it must be due to the long
hours of light that causes bolting in the summer. That makes more sense to
me. This year I'm going to try to grow it in planters and bring it inside
at
night.
Where we live (Southern Japan) the winters are mild and cilantro does
great.
But as any lover of Mexican or Thai food knows, it is great to have plenty
of it on hand in the summer. Unfortunately it is RARELY available in the
supermarkets here.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Philip
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