How to Grow Coriander

Coriander is an essential ingredient in many kitchens around the globe. With its vibrant green leaves and aromatic seeds, coriander brings a distinctive flavour that can elevate a dish. However, not everyone enjoys its taste, as some individuals perceive it to have a soapy flavour due to genetic factors. How to grow coriander is a questions that I have been asked the most often.

One of the most important aspects of successfully growing coriander is timing. This herb is a relatively short-lived annual that thrives in cooler conditions. Therefore, the months in which you plant your seeds are crucial for a successful harvest. For optimal growth, coriander should be planted during specific seasons based on your climate. In cool mountain and temperate regions, the best planting time is from early autumn to early spring. For arid climates, seeds can be sown from August to December, while subtropical areas should aim for April to November. In tropical regions, a limited window from April to July allows for successful cultivation.

I tend to grow basil and coriander in the same location in temperate Perth. When its time for basil, its too hot for coriander and basil won’t do winter. They take up the same amount of space, so it’s a perfect fit.

When it comes to temperature, coriander prefers a comfortable range between 10°C and 25°C. Temperatures exceeding 30°C can induce bolting, where the plant quickly flowers and produces seeds instead of leafy greens. To mitigate this, providing shade and selecting seed varieties with greater resistance to bolting can be helpful strategies.

Soil quality is another essential factor in growing coriander. This herb thrives in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil, ideally with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Prior to planting, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility and create an optimal environment for germination.

Sowing seeds should be carried out with care; they should be planted about 3 mm deep and spaced approximately 10 cm apart to allow for adequate growth. Watering needs to be balanced, as coriander enjoys moisture, but dislikes waterlogged conditions. A deep watering twice a week will typically suffice, keeping the soil consistently moist without becoming saturated.

Getting drainage correct is so important for your plants. Too much drainage, such a sandy soils, takes all the moisture and nutrients away from your plants and too little, such as clay soils, leads to drowning!

As your coriander plants grow, maintenance becomes key to their thriving health. Once seedlings reach about 5 cm in height, thinning out the weaker plants will allow the stronger ones to flourish. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants not only helps retain moisture but also suppresses weeds. Regularly harvesting the leaves is vital; this encourages bushier growth and provides fresh produce for culinary uses.

Harvesting can occur in two main phases: leaf harvesting and seed collection. Leaves can be harvested when the plants reach about 6 to 8 inches tall, generally 3 to 4 weeks post-germination. It’s best to select the outer leaves, promoting new growth from the centre. For those interested in seeds, they should wait until the flower blooms have turned into brown, dry seed pods, which typically occurs between 100 to 120 days after planting.

Post-harvest care includes cleaning the leaves to remove any residual dirt or insects and ensuring their freshness by storing them correctly. Two popular methods include placing the stems upright in a jar with water and covering it with a plastic bag or wrapping the leaves in a damp paper towel before refrigeration.

Additionally, companion planting can enhance the growth of coriander. Plants such as cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and chili peppers work well alongside coriander, helping to promote a healthy garden ecosystem. However, it’s advisable to avoid planting coriander next to mint and anise, as they can become competitive for resources.

As with any garden, pests and diseases can pose challenges. Common pests to watch out for include aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Utilizing natural remedies such as insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively manage these intruders.

With attention to detail and a bit of love, you can cultivate this herb successfully. So, roll up your sleeves, get started, and savour the delightful flavours that your coriander garden will eventually bring to your meals. Cheers to embarking on this flavourful gardening journey!