Come Celebrate Cilantro!

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Whether you love it or hate it, cilantro is the star of this year’s San Antonio Herb Market, Oct. 21 at Pearl Brewery.

Herbal Bites
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.)
When to plant
October through MarchWhat to plant
Seed or very small transplants

Where to plant
In the ground or container. Containers require additional water. Full sun is preferred, but will tolerate partial shade. In rows, 5-8 inches apart and 12 inches between rows.

Type of soil
Well drained; if in a container, then use a combination of planting mix and loam or sand.

Watering
Consistent amounts, two to three times a week but avoid wetting the leaves.

Fertilizer
Minimum requirement, 1 cup of water-soluble fertilizer solution once a month per one square foot of garden. Avoid wetting leaves.

Pests
Insects: few, but because of the strong aroma; aphids occasionally a problem. Disease: powdery mildew and leaf spot; provide good air circulation and avoid water on the leaves.

Every October, herb growers, plant vendors and local artisans converge on the grounds of Pearl Brewery for a celebration of savory sorts.

It’s known as the San Antonio Herb Market and this year the star of the show is cilantro.

SaturdayOct. 21
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pearl Brewery, 303 Pearl Parkway

Cilantro is one of those herbs people either love or hate. But it’s not just a matter of personal pickiness. Recent research has actually determined that some folks are genetically predisposed to taste soap when they eat cilantro . Bleh!

Cilantro, aka coriander , has been used in cooking and for dietary issues for several thousand years. There’ll be lots of cooking demonstrations featuring cilantro — and many other fall herbs — as well as several lectures, and the always popular “Ask the Expert” panel from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The experts this year are a veritable “Who’s Who” of local gardening experts, including Calvin FinchJerry Parsons and Paul Cox , to name a few.

You can also shop for herbs, vegetables and landscape plants for your garden, as well as herbal food products and handmade crafts including wreaths, soaps, candles and garden art.

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