Cruiser

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Aromatic from the first pinch—Cruiser cilantro unfurls with bright, clean fragrance and a lively, fresh-green charm.

Leaves are tender and finely divided, staying pleasantly crisp as plants mature, with a steady harvest window around 35 days. Ideal for fresh garnishes and vibrant flavor-forward mixes, Cruiser shines in salsas, chutneys, and herb-forward sauces, and it also lends its signature perfume to pickling blends.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cruiser cilantro has that immediate, clean fragrance—use it late so the leaves stay snappy and the aroma doesn’t flatten. When you pair it with sharp acids like lime and garlic, it reads bright and green instead of grassy or soapy.

Best Uses

fresh cilantro chiffonade on tacos and grilled meats
stirring into salsa verde or pico for perfume and lift
folding into chutneys for a clean, aromatic finish
tossing into herb sauces where you want flavor without turning mushy

Flavor Profile

bright citrusy top-notes cooling herbaceous bite tender, finely divided leaves that stay crisp

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic jalapeño avocado salted meats (like carnitas) Mexican crema/whipped yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and how can I prevent it?

Coriander commonly gets fungal leaf spots in warm, humid weather, especially if the foliage stays wet. Water at the soil line and thin seedlings so air moves through the canopy, and remove any spotted leaves early to slow spread. If you see spreading spots, switch to watering only in the morning and consider a labeled copper-based fungicide for edible herbs, following the label directions.

How often should I water coriander during its main growing phase?

During active leaf growth (roughly the first half of the 35 days), keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. In practical terms, water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall, aiming for steady moisture rather than frequent light sprinkling. If plants dry out and then re-wet, coriander is more likely to bolt early, so maintain even moisture in full sun.

How do I know when Coriandrum sativum is ready to harvest?

For leaf (cilantro), start harvesting when plants are about 6–8 inches tall and have a good set of stems, typically around 30–35 days, snipping outer leaves first. For seed, harvest when the umbels turn tan and dry but aren’t fully crumbling yet; cut the stems and finish drying indoors before rubbing seeds free. If flowers are fully open and plants look leggy, leaf quality drops quickly, so prioritize leaf harvest before bolting.