Coriander
Coriandrum sativum · Apiaceae
📷 Azaadsameer3 · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant coriander: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Coriandrum sativum
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- Up to 140 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous (annual)
- Flowering
- June to July
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and South Asia
- Edibility
- Yes, leaves and seeds
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Coriander bolts quickly to seed. For leaves, sow every 3-4 weeks from April to July; for seeds, a single sowing in April is enough.
The common mistake
Waiting for the plant to get big before harvesting: at that point, it flowers and hardens up.
The pro's trick
Sow directly in place, no transplanting: coriander hates being disturbed.
Care
Light Exposure
Coriander thrives in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Sun exposure promotes vigorous growth and abundant foliage production. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth will be slowed.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Water 2 to 3 times per week depending on weather conditions and soil moisture. Reduce watering slightly during rainy periods, taking care not to create water stagnation which would promote root rot.
Soil and Preparation
Coriander prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the soil with compost before planting to improve fertility and moisture retention. Overly compacted soil may slow growth and compromise your harvest.
Fertilizing
Moderate application of balanced fertilizer at planting time is generally sufficient. If you notice slow growth, apply diluted fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would prolong the vegetative phase at the expense of seed production.
Pruning and Harvesting
Regularly pinch young shoots to encourage branching and bushier growth. Harvest outer leaves once they reach suitable size, cutting just above a node. Pick seeds at maturity once they turn light brown and detach easily.
Diseases and Pests
Coriander can be affected by powdery mildew or rot in overly moist soil. Check regularly for whiteflies or spider mites, especially in hot, dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid prolonged leaf moisture to prevent fungal infections.
Did you know?
Coriander is one of the oldest cultivated spices, mentioned in Sanskrit texts and Egyptian papyri dating back more than 3,000 years. Interestingly, its seeds and leaves have radically different flavor profiles: the seeds offer warm, citrusy notes, while fresh leaves emit an odor that some find unpleasant—a perception that genetic studies have linked to a particular olfactory sensitivity in certain individuals.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.