Vietnamese Culantro Seeds – Ngo Gai

Grow one of the most distinctive culinary herbs used throughout Vietnam and other parts of Asia with Mai’s Family Vietnamese Culantro Seeds.

Botanically known as Eryngium foetidum, Vietnamese Culantro belongs to the Apiaceae family, the same botanical family that includes cilantro, parsley, carrots, and celery. Unlike common cilantro, this tropical herb forms a low-growing basal rosette of thick, deep green leaves with sharply serrated edges.

Vietnamese Culantro is known for its exceptionally bold aroma and flavor. It is often compared to cilantro or coriander, but the flavor is considerably stronger and may include a lightly citrusy note. Because of its intensity, even a small amount can add a recognizable aromatic quality to soups, broths, marinades, sauces, and fresh garnishes.

The herb is traditionally called Ngò Gai in Vietnamese and is especially well known as a garnish for Phở. It is also used in Thai, Indian, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine.

Product Highlights

• Annual heirloom culinary herb
• Botanical name: Eryngium foetidum
• Traditional Vietnamese name: Ngò Gai / Ngo Gai
• Deep green, saw-toothed leaves
• Strong cilantro-like flavor with a light citrus note
• Approximately 13–25 days to germination
• Approximately 80–90 days to maturity
• Prefers partial shade and consistent moisture
• Ideal growing temperature of approximately 60–70°F
• Excellent for Phở, soups, stews, marinades, sauces, chutneys, and sofrito
• Thick leaves retain their flavor and color well when dried
• Suitable for garden beds and containers
• Seeds only, not live plants

Product Details

Other Common Names

Vietnamese Culantro may also be known as:

• Ngò Gai
• Ngo Gai
• Culantro
• Mexican Coriander
• Sawtooth Coriander
• Saw-Leaf Herb
• Thorny Coriander
• Spiny Coriander
• Recao
• Fitweed
• Tabasco Parsley

These names may vary by country, language, and regional culinary tradition.

Flavor and Culinary Uses

Vietnamese Culantro has a much stronger flavor than common cilantro. Its rich aroma makes it especially useful in cooked dishes, where the flavor remains noticeable after heating.

The leaves and roots may be used in:

• Vietnamese Phở
• Soups and broths
• Stews
• Marinades
• Sauces
• Chutneys
• Traditional sofrito
• Rice dishes
• Noodle dishes
• Meat recipes
• Seafood recipes
• Fresh herb platters
• Garnishes

For fresh use, slice the leaves thinly and add them shortly before serving. Because the flavor is strong, begin with a small amount and adjust according to personal preference.

Excellent for Drying

The thick leaves of Vietnamese Culantro are particularly well suited for home drying. When dried carefully and stored properly, the leaves can retain much of their green color and bold flavor for several months.

To dry the leaves:

1. Harvest clean, healthy leaves before the plant begins flowering.
2. Rinse gently and allow them to dry completely.
3. Arrange leaves in a single layer in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated area.
4. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which may reduce color and flavor.
5. Store fully dried leaves in an airtight container.
6. Keep the container in a cool, dark, dry location.

How to Grow Vietnamese Culantro from Seed

Vietnamese Culantro naturally grows as a tropical understory herb. It prefers warm but not excessively hot temperatures, partial shade, fertile soil, and steady moisture.

When to Plant

Sow seeds in spring or early summer after cold conditions have passed.

In colder climates, seeds may be started indoors before outdoor temperatures become suitable. Container growing also makes it easier to move the plants indoors before frost or during extreme heat.

Starting Seeds Indoors

1. Fill trays or small containers with fine, fertile, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
3. Place the seeds on the prepared soil.
4. Press them gently into the surface.
5. Cover very lightly, no deeper than approximately ¼ inch.
6. Mist carefully so the seeds are not displaced.
7. Keep the growing medium consistently moist.
8. Place the tray in bright filtered light or partial shade.
9. Maintain stable temperatures, ideally around 60–70°F.
10. Allow approximately 13–25 days for germination.

The seed-starting mix should remain moist but never waterlogged. Do not allow the surface to dry completely while germination is underway.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

Vietnamese Culantro may be direct sown after frost danger has passed and the weather is stable.

Prepare a shaded or partially shaded garden area with loose, fertile soil. Sow the seeds shallowly and keep the seedbed consistently moist.

Direct-sown seeds may be affected by heavy rain, wind, fluctuating temperatures, weeds, and drying soil. Starting in containers may provide greater control over moisture and temperature.

Light Requirements

Vietnamese Culantro performs best in partial shade.

It may tolerate gentle morning sunlight, but intense afternoon sun can cause stress, pale leaves, leaf damage, or premature flowering.

Shade can help the plant:

• Develop deeper green foliage
• Retain soil moisture
• Reduce heat stress
• Delay bolting
• Produce more tender leaves

Treat it like a tropical understory herb rather than a full-sun Mediterranean herb.

Temperature Requirements

The preferred growing temperature is approximately:

60–70°F

The general growing range is approximately:

40–80°F

Vietnamese Culantro dislikes temperature extremes.

Protect the plants from:

• Frost
• Freezing temperatures
• Sudden cold weather
• Prolonged heat above approximately 90°F
• Hot, dry winds
• Intense afternoon sunlight

Bring container-grown plants indoors when frost is expected. During excessive heat, provide additional shade and maintain steady soil moisture.

Soil Requirements

Plant Vietnamese Culantro in soil that is:

• Fertile
• Loose
• Rich in organic matter
• Moisture-retentive
• Well draining
• Free from standing water

Compost may be incorporated before planting to improve fertility and moisture retention.

Avoid heavy, compacted soil because poor drainage can damage the roots.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.

Steady moisture helps:

• Support tender leaf development
• Maintain deep green color
• Reduce heat stress
• Delay premature flowering
• Encourage continuous vegetative growth

Do not allow the soil to remain continuously saturated. The roots need both moisture and oxygen.

Water near the base of the plant whenever possible. During hot or windy weather, check container-grown plants more frequently because pots may dry quickly.

Plant Spacing

Space established plants approximately:

8–12 inches apart

Vietnamese Culantro commonly spreads approximately 8–12 inches wide. Proper spacing allows each rosette to develop while maintaining airflow around the leaves.

Transplanting

Vietnamese Culantro has sensitive roots and should be transplanted carefully.

To reduce transplant stress:

• Water seedlings before moving them.
• Transplant while seedlings are still manageable.
• Keep the root ball intact.
• Avoid loosening or tearing the roots.
• Transplant during a cool part of the day.
• Water immediately after planting.
• Provide temporary shade while plants recover.

Excessive root disturbance may slow growth, cause wilting, or kill young plants.

Using individual cells or biodegradable pots can help reduce root damage.

Growing in Containers

Vietnamese Culantro is well suited for container growing.

Containers allow gardeners to:

• Control soil quality
• Maintain more consistent moisture
• Move plants away from intense sunlight
• Protect plants from frost
• Bring plants indoors during extreme weather
• Grow the herb on patios, balconies, or near the kitchen

Choose a container with drainage holes and use fertile, well-draining potting mix. Do not allow the container to stand in water.

Fertilizing

Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer as needed.

A light feeding may support healthy leaf growth, especially in containers where nutrients are gradually removed through watering.

Avoid excessive fertilization. Too much fertilizer can produce weak growth or contribute to plant stress.

Bolting and Flowering

Bolting occurs when the plant begins producing a flower stalk.

Vietnamese Culantro generally has its finest leaf flavor and quality before flowering. Heat, dry soil, root disturbance, and environmental stress may encourage premature bolting.

To help delay flowering:

• Provide partial shade
• Maintain consistent soil moisture
• Protect plants from extreme heat
• Harvest leaves regularly
• Avoid unnecessary transplanting
• Keep roots cool with light organic mulch
• Prevent containers from drying completely

Harvesting Vietnamese Culantro

Vietnamese Culantro forms a basal rosette, with leaves emerging near the center of the plant rather than along tall stems.

For a full harvest, cut the rosette carefully near the base before the plant begins flowering.

For repeated harvests, remove mature outer leaves while leaving the central growing point intact. This method allows younger leaves to continue developing.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day for better leaf quality.

The flavor is usually strongest and most desirable before bolting.

Pest and Disease Awareness

Vietnamese Culantro generally has relatively few serious pest problems, but it may occasionally be affected by:

• Aphids
• Spider mites

Inspect plants regularly, especially the undersides of the leaves.

Helpful preventive practices include:

• Maintaining steady moisture
• Providing good airflow
• Avoiding overcrowding
• Removing heavily damaged leaves
• Reducing heat and drought stress
• Keeping the growing area free of weeds and debris

Spider mites are more likely to become troublesome during hot, dry conditions.

Quick Growing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnamese Culantro the same as cilantro?

No. Vietnamese Culantro and common cilantro are different plants. Vietnamese Culantro has long, saw-toothed leaves and a considerably stronger cilantro-like flavor.

What is the botanical name?

The botanical name is Eryngium foetidum.

Is Ngo Gai used in Phở?

Yes. Ngò Gai is commonly sliced and served as a fresh garnish with Vietnamese Phở and other soups.

Does Vietnamese Culantro prefer full sun?

It generally performs best in partial shade. Intense afternoon sun and excessive heat may stress the plants and encourage premature flowering.

How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes approximately 13–25 days under suitable moisture and temperature conditions.

How long does it take to mature?

Approximately 80–90 days under favorable growing conditions.

Can Vietnamese Culantro be grown in containers?

Yes. Container growing makes it easier to control moisture, shade, soil quality, and temperature.

Can I dry the leaves?

Yes. The thick leaves retain their color and strong flavor particularly well when dried and stored properly.

Why is my plant flowering early?

Heat, dry soil, long days, root disturbance, or other environmental stress may cause early bolting. Provide shade, maintain consistent moisture, and avoid disturbing the roots.

Is this a live plant?

No. This listing is for seeds only.

Important Product Notice

This listing contains seeds only.

It does not include:

• Live plants
• Fresh leaves
• Dried 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, transplant handling, weather, and local growing conditions.

Images of mature plants are provided to illustrate the variety under suitable growing conditions and do not guarantee identical results in every garden.

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Love Plants, Love Earth.