Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shade; morning sun is ideal.
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained.
- Water
- Consistent moisture.
- Climate
- Warm and humid; frost sensitive.
Growing Recao step by step
- 1
Seed preparation
Soak seed 12–24 hours in room-temperature water.
- 2
Sowing
Surface-sow on fine, moist mix and cover with only a dusting.
- 3
Germination
Keep warm and constantly moist under a vented cover. Emergence is slow and staggered; be patient.
- 4
Tiny seedling stage
Seedlings are very small—mist gently and give bright shade, not direct sun.
- 5
Transplanting
Move small clumps with a few true leaves into pots or beds, keeping roots moist.
- 6
Shade and light
Partial shade gives larger, tender leaves and slows flowering.
- 7
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained; Recao wilts and toughens when dry.
- 8
Leaf harvest
Cut outer leaves at the base once plants have 8–10 leaves; leave the center to keep producing.
- 9
Flowering
Pinch out flower stalks as they appear to extend leaf production.
- 10
Mature plant management
Feed lightly, keep sowing small batches for continuous supply, and let a few plants flower if you want to save seed.
Common problems and fixes
No seedlings after two weeks
Likely cause: Normal slow germination.
Fix: Keep warm and moist; wait several more weeks.
Seedlings collapse
Likely cause: Tray dried out or too much sun.
Fix: Mist regularly and keep in bright shade.
Plants flower quickly
Likely cause: Strong sun, heat or drought stress.
Fix: Provide shade, water consistently and pinch flower stalks.
Tough, small leaves
Likely cause: Full sun or dry soil.
Fix: Move to partial shade and feed lightly.
Rotting crowns
Likely cause: Waterlogged soil.
Fix: Improve drainage; moist is not soggy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Recao the same as cilantro?
- No. Recao is Eryngium foetidum; cilantro is Coriandrum sativum.
- Can I grow Recao in a pot?
- Yes. A wide, shallow pot in partial shade works very well.
View the Puerto Rico Recao Seeds – Culantro – Eryngium foetidum listing