Vietnamese coriander
Persicaria odorata · Polygonaceae
📷 Joditran · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Vietnamese coriander is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Persicaria odorata
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Type
- Annual herb
- Mature height
- 40 cm
- Flowering
- July to September
- Foliage
- Deciduous, aromatic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia)
- Hardiness
- Tender, grow as annual or in container
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Bistro plant wilts quickly if it dries out: it loves consistent moisture (but not waterlogged). Pinch back the stems in spring to thicken the plant, otherwise it becomes lanky and flowers poorly.
The common mistake
Leaving it in dry shade during summer: it deteriorates and the base becomes bare.
The pro's trick
Harvest its leaves regularly in the kitchen (young shoots taste best): this naturally encourages branching and gives you a bushy, productive plant.
Care
Light exposure
Place fragrant fleece in partial shade or dappled light. It tolerates sun but prefers to avoid the hottest hours of summer. A location sheltered from strong winds suits it well.
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist without waterlogging. Water regularly during warm periods, especially if growing in a pot. Reduce watering slightly in autumn. It's an excellent choice for marshy areas or garden pond edges.
Soil
Rich, light, well-draining soil promotes growth. It adapts to various soils but prefers fresh, slightly humus-rich substrates. Adding well-decomposed compost at the base accelerates development.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season to support vigor. Prefer a light formula suited to herbaceous plants. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn.
Pruning and harvesting
Pinch back young stems regularly to encourage a compact, bushy habit. You can harvest aromatic leaves as needed for culinary use. Light pruning after flowering extends the blooming period.
Pests and diseases
Generally unaffected if moisture conditions are respected. Excessive humidity can encourage mold. Watch for aphids indoors; spray with soapy water if needed.
Did you know?
Fragrant fleece, called 'rau om' in Vietnam, has been an essential aromatic herb in Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries, prized for its unique fruity and peppery flavor. It commonly appears in Southeast Asian markets, where it accompanies pho, spring rolls, and fresh salads. Its recent introduction to Europe as a culinary plant delights adventurous cooks seeking exotic flavors.
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
- SorrelRumex acetosa
- Pink knotweedPersicaria capitata
- Mile-a-minute vineFallopia baldschuanica
- RhubarbRheum rhabarbarum
- Maidenhair vineMuehlenbeckia complexa
- Red bistortBistorta amplexicaulis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.