Cilantro/Coriander

Our October 2024 Butterfly of the Month, the Anise Swallowtail, simply adores Cilantro/Coriander! This tasty herb, part of the big-hearted Apiaceae plant family, is a real treat for both butterflies and humans. Globally, it’s a star in many kitchens, jazzing up everything from tangy curries to crisp salads with its unique, citrusy zing. But flavor isn’t its only superpower – coriander is also known for promoting healthy digestion and soothing inflammation. So, whether you’re adding a handful to your dinner or planting some in your butterfly garden, you can’t go wrong with this versatile, butterfly-approved herb.

Cilantro, a butterfly’s best friend, really knows how to make the most out of a cool weather hangout. Its roots dig deep into the well-drained soil, basking in the sunshine but also appreciating a little shade during the sun’s peak hours. This easy-going herb loves to grow in your home garden, offering a beautiful buffet for our fluttery friends. Whether you fancy the milder flavor of its tender young leaves or crave the hearty taste of its mature ones, cilantro always delivers.

For all you gardeners looking to cultivate your own little patch of cilantro, remember, this green buddy likes to sprint to the flowering finish line, especially when it’s toasty out! To keep your cilantro party going, why not try tossing in some seeds every couple of weeks? This little trick, affectionately known as succession planting, will keep your cilantro supply as abundant all season long.

Beyond its leafy greens, cilantro also gifts us with coriander seeds, a spice cherished by pickle enthusiasts and seasoned bakers. Much like the butterfly, with its unique transformation from caterpillar to winged beauty, cilantro’s dual offerings of leaf and seed add a touch of magic to our kitchen adventures.

Lend a helping hand to your garden by pairing up cilantro with its plant buddies, like zesty citrus, flavorful basil, or robust chives. Not only are these herbs the perfect culinary partners to cilantro, but they’re also ace bug deterrents! And hey, why not invite veggies like tomatoes or peppers to the party? They’ll love the shady comfort and nutrient boost cilantro offers. This kind of all-inclusive planting strategy makes your garden a buzzing hotspot for helpful insects, and a powerhouse of vitality. By welcoming herbs like basil, mint, and marigold, you’re opening the door to beneficial bugs like pollinators and pest predators. A garden teeming with these friendly critters means less creepy crawlies and a healthier, happier ecosystem. Plus, herbs like rosemary and lavender are basically the doormen of your garden, warding off pesky flies and mosquitoes. So let’s celebrate the wonder of biodiversity, and make our gardens a haven for all the butterflies and bugs we love!

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