Hi Everyone
I'm new to the herbie forum but had to say that I found the thread to the Culantro/Cilantro comparison interesting. I live in the Costa Blanca, Spain and have had trouble getting the coriander to grow well. It bolts too quickly. So remembering the herb we used to call Chicoria in Brazil, I did a bit of research on wonderful Google and managed to find it being sold as Culantro or Eryngium foetidum. Bought some seeds from Chilterns seeds and they are now in. Still waiting for them to germinate.
I tried growing them on a windowsill in the south of England a few years ago but theygot crown rot . They really never amounted to much and I so hope they will do better in my new home in Spain!!!
I have found out that the seeds need to be absolutely fresh to get good germination rate and need a bit of time and a lot of warmth and some shade in the heat to grow well. I guess this all depends on the part of the world you live in, but guess also that if they are a tropical plant the closer you get to that climate the less you need to cosset them.
If anyone out there is growing it and has any tips for maximum growth and success please let us know.
Thanks
Lizzy
Culantro/Cilantro
Awwwww....chicoria... it brings back memories. Did you live in Brazil?
Yes I did.... My family moved to Belem, Para in 1963 and we came back to the UK in 1977. I can't believe it's 30 years ago!!!! Did you live there?
There are some fantastic plants that I'd love to get seeds of. Urucum for one! Know that one? I think it's called Bixa or anatto. The taste of fresh urucum in Brazilian dishes is unsurpassable. Did you ever have Tacaca com Tucupi? Oh man They put that toothache plant in it - makes your mouth go numb!!!!!!!!
DM me if you want a chat...
Lizzy