Eryngium foetidum
Eryngium foetidum
Culantro
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Description
Eryngium foetidum, commonly called culantro or sawtooth coriander, is a heat-loving tropical herb with a bold, cilantro-like flavor. It forms a spiky rosette of long, serrated leaves and thrives in warm, partially shaded spots—perfect for flavorful harvests in Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian dishes.
Common Names
CulantroSawtooth corianderLong corianderShado beniBandhaniaRecaoNgò gaiFitweedSpirit weed
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical Americas (Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean); widely naturalized in Southeast Asia.
usdaZones
Perennial in USDA 10–12; grown as an annual elsewhere.
companionPlants
Peppers, Tomatoes, Scallions/green onions, Eggplant
culturalUses
Staple culinary herb in Caribbean (shado beni, recao) for sofrito, chutneys, stews; used in Latin American and Southeast Asian cuisines (e.g., Vietnamese pho garnish). Traditional medicinal uses in folk remedies.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to partial shade; 3–6 hours of gentle sun. Protect from intense midday sun to reduce bolting.
WateringKeep evenly moist; do not let soil fully dry. Water when the top 1–2 cm is barely dry. Avoid waterlogging.
SoilRich, well-draining loam with high organic matter; pH 5.5–7.5.
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
HumidityPrefers medium to high humidity (50–70%+).
TemperatureWarmth loving: ideal 21–32°C (70–90°F). Protect below 10–13°C (50–55°F); frost sensitive.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitBasal rosette of long, serrated, spiny-margined leaves; upright flowering stalks with bracted umbels.
Mature Size20–45 cm tall (8–18 in) rosette; flowering stalks up to ~60 cm (24 in); spread 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
Growth RateFast in warm, moist conditions.
BloomingSmall greenish umbels in late spring–summer; flowering (bolting) reduces leaf quality—pinch for longer harvests.
DormancyNo true dormancy; dies back with frost. Often grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds, Self-sowing, Careful division of small clumps/offsets (less common)
DifficultyModerate—seeds can be slow to germinate and need warmth.
Best SeasonSpring to early summer in temperate areas; year-round in warm climates.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningHarvest outer leaves regularly. Pinch or remove flower stalks to delay bolting and keep leaves tender. Deadhead spent umbels.
RepottingIf container-grown, use a deep pot to accommodate its taproot. Repot gently when root-bound; minimize disturbance to avoid shock.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and slugs/snails may feed on foliage. Overly wet conditions can cause root rot or leaf spot. Provide airflow and avoid soggy soil.
ToxicityEdible and generally non-toxic to humans and pets.
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