Grow the bold, distinctive flavor of Vietnamese Culantro with Mai’s Family Ngo Gai Seeds.

Botanically known as Eryngium foetidum, Vietnamese Culantro is a tender annual heirloom herb with deep green, saw-toothed leaves and an intense cilantro-like aroma. Its flavor is often described as much stronger than common cilantro or coriander, with a light citrus note.

Also known as Ngo Gai, Culantro, Sawtooth Coriander, Mexican Coriander, Recao, Thorny Coriander, Spiny Coriander, Saw-Leaf Herb, Fitweed, and Tabasco Parsley, this flavorful herb is widely used in Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Caribbean, and Latin American cooking.

Vietnamese Culantro is especially popular as a fresh garnish for Phở. The leaves and roots may also be used in soups, stews, marinades, sauces, chutneys, and traditional sofrito. Its thick leaves are suitable for drying and can retain much of their color and flavor when properly stored.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Common Name: Vietnamese Culantro

Vietnamese Name: Ngò Gai / Ngo Gai

Botanical Name: Eryngium foetidum

Other Names: Culantro, Sawtooth Coriander, Mexican Coriander, Recao, Thorny Coriander, Spiny Coriander, Saw-Leaf Herb, Fitweed, Tabasco Parsley

Seed Type: Heirloom

Plant Type: Tender annual herb

Leaf Color: Deep Green

Flavor: Bold cilantro-like flavor with a light citrus note

Days to Germination: Approximately 13–25 Days

Days to Maturity: Approximately 80–90 Days

Planting Depth: Approximately 1/4 Inch

Plant Spacing: Approximately 8–12 Inches

Plant Width: Approximately 8–12 Inches

Light Preference: Partial Shade

Preferred Growing Temperature: Approximately 60–70°F

General Temperature Range: Approximately 40–80°F

Soil Preference: Fertile, Moist, Well-Drained Soil

Best Uses: Phở, Soups, Stews, Marinades, Sauces, Chutneys, Sofrito, Fresh Garnishes, and Drying

Product Form: Seeds Only, Not Live Plants

FLAVOR AND CULINARY USES

Vietnamese Culantro has a much stronger and bolder flavor than common cilantro. A small amount can add a distinctive aromatic character to soups, broths, sauces, marinades, and fresh dishes.

Common culinary uses include:

• Vietnamese Phở

• Soups and broths

• Stews

• Marinades

• Sauces and chutneys

• Traditional sofrito

• Rice and noodle dishes

• Meat and seafood recipes

• Fresh herb garnishes

The thick leaves may also be dried. When properly dried and stored, they can maintain their deep green color and strong flavor for an extended period.

HOW TO GROW VIETNAMESE CULANTRO

Vietnamese Culantro naturally grows like a tropical understory herb. It prefers fertile soil, consistent moisture, partial shade, and protection from extreme temperatures.

1. Prepare a fine, fertile, well-draining seed-starting mix.

2. Moisten the soil before sowing.

3. Plant seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep.

4. Cover lightly with fine soil or seed-starting mix.

5. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

6. Place the container in partial shade or bright, indirect light.

7. Maintain stable temperatures whenever possible.

8. Allow approximately 13–25 days for germination under favorable conditions.

Do not allow the growing medium to dry completely while the seeds are germinating.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

Vietnamese Culantro performs best in partial shade.

Some gentle morning sunlight is suitable, but protection from intense afternoon sun can help maintain deeper green leaves and reduce heat stress.

Strong direct sunlight, dry soil, and excessive heat may encourage premature flowering or bolting.

TEMPERATURE

The preferred growing temperature is approximately 60–70°F.

Protect plants from frost and freezing temperatures. Container-grown plants may be brought indoors when cold weather is expected.

Temperatures above approximately 90°F may also stress the plants. During very hot weather, provide shade, consistent moisture, and good airflow.

SOIL AND WATERING

Plant in fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially while seedlings are young. Steady moisture supports tender leaf growth and may help delay bolting.

Avoid standing water and continuously saturated soil, which may damage the roots.

Water near the base of the plant whenever possible.

SPACING

Space established plants approximately 8–12 inches apart.

Proper spacing gives each rosette room to develop and improves airflow around the foliage.

TRANSPLANTING

Vietnamese Culantro roots may be sensitive to disturbance.

When transplanting:

• Water seedlings before moving them

• Handle the root ball carefully

• Avoid breaking or loosening the roots

• Transplant during a cooler part of the day

• Water immediately after planting

• Provide temporary shade while plants recover

Excessive root disturbance may slow growth or damage the plant.

GROWING IN CONTAINERS

Vietnamese Culantro grows well in containers and may be easier to protect from frost, excessive heat, and intense sunlight when grown in a movable pot.

Choose a container with drainage holes and use fertile, well-draining potting mix. Place the container in partial shade or bright filtered light.

HARVESTING

Vietnamese Culantro grows as a basal rosette, with the leaves emerging from near the base of the plant.

For a larger harvest, cut the rosette carefully near the base before the plant begins flowering. The leaves generally have their finest flavor before bolting.

For continued harvesting, remove mature outer leaves carefully while leaving the center of the plant intact.

BOLTING

Bolting occurs when the plant begins producing a flower stalk.

Flavor and leaf quality are generally best before flowering. Heat, dry soil, long days, and root stress may encourage early bolting.

To help delay bolting:

• Grow in partial shade

• Keep the soil consistently moist

• Protect from extreme heat

• Harvest regularly

• Avoid unnecessary root disturbance

PEST AWARENESS

Vietnamese Culantro generally has relatively few serious pest problems. However, plants may occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites.

Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly. Proper spacing, steady watering, and good airflow can help maintain healthier plants.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This listing is for seeds only.

It does not include:

• Live plants

• Fresh leaves

• Mature herbs

• Soil

• Containers

• Fertilizer

• Gardening supplies

Seed quantity is based on the package option selected.

Germination and growing results may vary depending on temperature, moisture, planting depth, soil quality, sunlight, seed storage, weather, and local growing conditions.

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