How to Grow Tangier
Wikimedia Commons
Tangier
Eryngium foetidum
herbTangier, also known as culantro or Mexican coriander, is a leafy herb native to Central and South America with serrated, elongated leaves and a flavor similar to cilantro but more pungent and aromatic. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is a staple in Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. The plant produces distinctive spiky purple flowers on tall stems when it bolts.
When should you plant Tangier in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Tangier timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Tangier
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Tangier
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tangier dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 9 and warmer, or as a cool-season crop in milder regions
Sign up free to see if Tangier grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Tangier timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with small, narrow cotyledons. True leaves develop slowly.
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F). Provide gentle light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops characteristic serrated, elongated green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, gradually expanding in size and leaf count.
Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Apply mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf production.
Mature Foliage
4-6 weeks (extends with proper management)Full-sized rosette of deeply serrated leaves, 8-12 inches tall, with maximum flavor and aroma intensity.
Begin regular harvesting to maintain tenderness and promote bushy growth. Continue consistent watering and moisture. Monitor for bolting in extended daylight or heat.
Flowering/Bolting
2-4 weeks before seed setTall flower stems emerge from the center, producing distinctive spiky purple, white, or pink flower heads. Leaves become smaller and more bitter.
Harvest leaves aggressively to slow bolting. If flowering occurs, deadhead spent flowers to extend leaf production. In cool seasons, flowering is a natural end of season.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers mature into seed heads with small, spiky seeds. Plant may decline after setting seed.
If saving seeds, allow mature flower heads to dry on the plant. Collect and store seeds in cool, dry conditions. Otherwise, remove plant and replant for succession harvest.
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations
-
Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; apply neem oil if needed
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil for persistent issues
-
Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Caribbean and Latin American Cuisines
CulinaryTangier is a staple herb in Caribbean, Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican cooking, used fresh in sofrito, soups, stews, and rice dishes for its distinctive aromatic flavor. It provides a more robust cilantro-like taste that intensifies when cooked. [source]
Asian Cuisines
CulinaryWidely used in Vietnamese, Thai, and Southeast Asian cuisines as a garnish for pho, curries, and stir-fries, where its pungent aroma complements spicy and aromatic dishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalUsed traditionally in Caribbean and Latin American medicine to support digestion, reduce fever, and promote overall wellness. Contains aromatic compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Fresh Herb Seasoning and Preservation
HouseholdFresh leaves are used as a seasoning in marinades, sauces, and dressings. Can be dried for long-term storage, frozen, or preserved in oil for year-round use. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeSpiky purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making tangier a valuable plant for supporting pollinator populations in 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 leaves when plant has 4-6 true leaves, about 4-6 weeks after planting. Pinch off outer leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and extend harvest. Harvest in early morning when flavor is most concentrated. Cut stems at the base or pinch individual leaves. Tangier can be harvested continuously for 2-4 months before bolting; succession planting ensures year-round supply in warm climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tangier is also called 'culantro,' 'long coriander,' 'Mexican coriander,' and 'recao' in Puerto Rico, reflecting its widespread use across Latin America and the Caribbean.
- 🌱 Despite its similar flavor profile to cilantro, tangier is botanically unrelated and belongs to the Eryngium genus (sea holly family), not Coriandrum. It is much more heat-tolerant and slower to bolt than cilantro.
- 🌱 In traditional Caribbean medicine, tangier was used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, fevers, and to ward off insects, demonstrating its long history of practical use beyond the kitchen.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Tangier planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tangier seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Tangier timeline →