Coriander Moroccan

Climate

• Temperature: Coriander prefers temperatures between 18°C to 22°C. Anything above 30°C can cause the plant to bolt quickly.
• Coriander is a cool season annual

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Coriander thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Sandy, loamy soil is ideal.
• Soil pH: Aim for a pH level between 6.2 to 6.8 for optimal growth.
• Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. It is beneficial to work in some slow-release organic fertilizers as well.

Sowing Seeds

• Direct Sowing: Plant coriander seeds directly into the garden bed as they do not transplant well due to their long taproot.
• Depth and Spacing: Sow seeds approximately 3 mm deep, spaced about 10cm apart. This spacing allows for the plants to spread out without overcrowding.
• Timing for Succession Planting: To have a continual harvest, sow seeds every two to three weeks.

Watering Needs

• Moisture Levels: Coriander requires consistent moisture. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Watering Frequency: Water deeply once a week or more frequently in hot, dry conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.

Maintenance and Care

• Thinning: Thin seedlings once they reach about 5cm in height, keeping the strongest plants and allowing space for growth.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature.
• Pruning: Regularly harvest the leaves, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at any time to encourage continuous growth.

Harvesting

• Leaves: Start harvesting leaves when plants are about 15cm tall. Use scissors to snip away the outer leaves while allowing the centre to grow.
• Seeds: For coriander seeds, allow the flowers to bloom and turn brown. Once dried, harvest the seed heads and store them in a cool, dry place.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions

• Cabbage Family (Brassicas): Coriander can repel pests like aphids and whiteflies that affect cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
• Carrots: Protects carrot plants from carrot flies and may enhance carrot flavour.
• Tomatoes: Enhances the flavour of tomatoes and helps deter pests like hornworms.
• Chili Peppers: Coriander can improve flavour and repel common pests.

Poor Companions

• Mint: Competes for nutrients and can overwhelm coriander. Better to grow mint in a separate pot.
• Anise: Both plants share similar needs and can struggle when grown near each other due to competition.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a remedy.
• Diseases: Maintain air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Rotating crops annually can help reduce soil-borne diseases.