How to Grow Santo
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Santo
Coriandrum sativum 'Santo'
herbSanto is a cilantro variety specifically bred to be slow-bolting, maintaining leafy growth longer than standard cilantro. It produces abundant green foliage with the characteristic pungent aroma and flavor associated with cilantro. This variety is prized by commercial growers and home gardeners for its extended harvest window.
When should you plant Santo in your zone?
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Example Santo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Santo
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Santo
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Santo dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10, but prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall in most climates)
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Get my Santo timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and develop first true leaves. Seedlings are delicate with thin stems.
Keep soil moist and warm (65-75°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide indirect light initially.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops abundant feathery foliage. Multiple stems branch out from the base creating a bushy plant.
Water consistently to prevent stress and bolting. Pinch growing tips occasionally to encourage bushiness. Apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Santo's slow-bolting genetics shine here.
Peak Harvest
2-3 weeksPlant reaches optimal leaf density and flavor. Foliage is abundant, vibrant green, and aromatic without yet producing flower buds.
Harvest regularly from outer leaves to encourage continued growth. Keep soil consistently moist. Cool temperatures (60-70°F) extend this stage significantly.
Bolting
1-2 weeks onwardsPlant begins sending up flower stalks with small white or pale pink flowers, eventually producing seeds (coriander).
Harvest flowers if desired for garnish or coriander seeds. Once bolting begins, leaf quality and flavor decline. Santo delays this stage compared to other varieties.
Seed Maturation
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and seed pods develop and dry, turning tan/brown as they ripen.
Allow seeds to fully dry on the plant if harvesting coriander. Cut seed heads into paper bags to catch seeds as they dry.
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; avoid overhead watering in hot weather
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; reflective mulch to confuse insects
Uses
Fresh herb for cooking
CulinarySanto cilantro is widely used in Mexican, Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Its distinctive pungent flavor complements salsas, curries, soups, and garnishes. [source]
Coriander seeds
CulinaryWhen allowed to bolt and set seed, Santo produces coriander seeds for spice use, with a warm, citrusy flavor ideal for pickling, baking, and curry blends. [source]
Digestive and detoxifying herb
MedicinalCilantro has been traditionally used to support digestion and is believed to help with heavy metal detoxification. Modern research explores its antimicrobial properties. [source]
Fresh herb tea
HouseholdCilantro leaves can be steeped in hot water to create a mild herbal tea with potential digestive benefits. [source]
Pollinator food source
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, Santo's delicate white and pink flowers attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 3-4 weeks after planting. Pinch or cut stems just above leaf nodes to encourage bushiness. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture. Santo's slow-bolting nature allows extended harvesting over 6-8 weeks compared to 3-4 weeks for standard cilantro. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at once.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Santo cilantro was specifically developed by seed breeders to address the 'cilantro bolting problem'—most standard cilantro varieties bolt quickly in warm weather, but Santo can produce harvestable leaves for twice as long.
- 🌱 Cilantro seeds (coriander) have been used as a spice for over 3,000 years and were among the herbs mentioned in ancient Egyptian papyri.
- 🌱 The word 'cilantro' comes from the Spanish name, while 'coriander' refers to both the plant and its dried seeds; this same plant is called 'Chinese parsley' in some Asian cuisines and 'dhania' in India.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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