Santo Cilantro – Fastest Growing, Slowest Bolting Heirloom Cilantro
Santo Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the most sought-after cilantro varieties for good reason — it is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing yet slowest-to-bolt types available, making it ideal for extended main-season harvests. Bred specifically for slow bolting in warmer climates, Santo produces broad, deep green leaves with a strong, fresh cilantro flavor and slight citrus undertones. A favorite of kitchen chefs and farmers’ market growers alike. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, heirloom.
Suitable for containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Companion plants well with tomatoes and peppers.
Why Grow Santo Cilantro?
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Slowest-to-bolt of main-season cilantro varieties — longer harvest window, especially in warmer climates
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Fast to establish — germinates in 5–10 days, harvest-ready in 55–60 days
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Broad, deep green leaves with strong, fresh flavor and citrus undertones
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Stagger plantings every 2 weeks for a continuous, uninterrupted harvest all season
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Versatile growing — containers, raised beds, garden plots, and greenhouses
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Great companion plant — pairs well with tomatoes and peppers
Growth Habits
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Days to Maturity: 55–60 days
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Days to Germination: 5–10 days
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Plant Height: 12–24"
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Plant Width: 8–12"
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Growth Habit: Upright
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Color: Deep green
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Flavor: Strong, fresh cilantro with slight citrus undertones
Starting & Growing Tips
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Direct sow outdoors recommended — cilantro does not transplant well
- Can be started indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting if needed
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2" deep
- Space plants 8–10" apart, rows 24–36" apart
- Maintain consistent moisture and avoid hot temperatures to delay bolting
- Prefers cooler temperatures of 65–75°F
- Full sun to partial shade
- Stagger successive plantings every 2 weeks for continuous harvest
- Regular harvesting encourages new growth
Harvesting
Harvest when plants reach 6–8" tall. Cut outer leaves first to allow inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest regularly before the plant bolts for the best flavor. Once bolting begins, flavor diminishes quickly — let plants go to seed to collect coriander seeds for cooking or replanting.
Culinary Uses
Santo Cilantro’s strong flavor and broad leaves make it a top choice for chefs and home cooks. Use fresh in salsas, guacamole, tacos, soups, curries, noodle dishes, and as a garnish. Pairs beautifully with tomatoes, peppers, lime, and garlic. Mature seeds become coriander — a warm, citrusy spice used in countless global cuisines.
Fun Fact
Cilantro is one of the world’s oldest herbs — seeds have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. It has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes, with compounds that may have antimicrobial properties and potential brain health benefits. And yes — the reason some people taste soap? It’s genetic. Specific genes make certain individuals more sensitive to aldehydes in cilantro. Love it or hate it, cilantro has been dividing opinions for millennia!
Planting Information
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Seeding Depth: 1/4–1/2"
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Plant Spacing: 8–10" (1–2 plants per sq ft)
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Row Spacing: 24–36"
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Soil Preference: Well-drained loam
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Temperature Preference: 65–75°F
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Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
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Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids and fungal leaf spots; susceptible to bolting in heat
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Deer Resistant: No
Seed Details
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Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum
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Hardiness Zones: 2–11 (Annual)
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Seed Origin: USA
- Non-GMO | Open-Pollinated | Heirloom
