Calypso Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum  "Calypso"

Seeds per pack ~100 

Germination: 95% Jan 2025  Packed for 2025

Calypso Cilantro is a bolt-resistant, high-yielding variety perfect for extended fresh leaf harvests in challenging climates. Its rich flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and adaptability in the garden make it a favorite for growers seeking steady cilantro production throughout the season.

Calypso Cilantro is a relatively modern open-pollinated variety developed for its exceptional bolt resistance and high leaf yield. While not an heirloom in the traditional sense (being a more recent cultivar), it has become beloved among organic growers and home gardeners for its reliability and robust flavor. It was bred in Europe and widely adopted in North America, where cilantro's popularity surged due to its central role in Latin American, Asian, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Calypso stands out among cilantro varieties as one of the slowest to bolt under heat stress, making it especially valuable in warmer climates.

Appearance and Characteristics: Calypso Cilantro features deep green, broad, and finely serrated leaves with a lush, bushy growth habit. Plants reach 12 to 18 inches in height and are slower to form flower stalks compared to standard cilantro types. This extended vegetative stage allows for longer harvests of fragrant leaves. The stems are sturdy yet tender, and the leaves are strongly aromatic with a classic citrusy, herbaceous cilantro flavor. The plant eventually produces small white umbels that give way to round, pale brown seeds known as coriander.

Culinary Uses: Calypso Cilantro is prized for both its fresh leaves and seeds (coriander). The leaves are used liberally in salsa, guacamole, curries, chutneys, pho, salads, and as a garnish for soups and roasted vegetables. They add brightness to rice dishes, tacos, and marinades. Once the plant sets seed, the coriander can be harvested and used as a spice with warm, citrusy, nutty notes ideal for pickling, baking, and spice blends such as garam masala and ras el hanout.

Growing Tips: Calypso Cilantro grows best in full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It can be direct-sown or transplanted carefully (cilantro dislikes root disturbance). Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continual supply. For best results, plant in early spring or late summer in hot regions, as cooler temperatures prolong leaf production. Calypso tolerates heat better than other varieties but will still bolt under prolonged high temperatures. Mulch to keep roots cool and reduce evaporation. It also grows well in containers with a depth of 8 inches or more.

Harvesting Guidance: Begin harvesting leaves when plants are 4–6 inches tall, usually about 3–4 weeks after sowing. Cut outer leaves at the base to encourage continued growth, or snip entire stems just above the growing point for a fuller harvest. Regular harvesting delays bolting. Once the plant flowers, allow seed heads to dry on the plant if coriander harvest is desired. Collect the seeds when they turn brown and dry thoroughly before storing in an airtight container.