How to Grow Coriander

General Information

Botanical Name:

Coriandrum sativum

Common Names:

Coriander, Cilantro (leaves), Chinese Parsley

Plant Family:

Apiaceae

Type:

Annual; Culinary/Medicinal/Aromatic; Cool season

Our Favorite Varieties:

Slow Bolt, Santo, Calypso, Leisure

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

2–11

Frost Hardy:

Yes (light frost)

Heat Tolerant:

No (bolts quickly in heat)

Stratification:

No

Rows, Beds, Containers:

Rows, beds, and containers all work well

Starting from Seed

When:

Direct sow 2–4 weeks before last frost; succession sow every 2–3 weeks

Soil:

Loose, well-draining soil

Depth:

½ inch

Water:

Keep soil evenly moist until germination

Germination:

7–14 days

Up Pot:

Not recommended; prefers direct sow

Light:

Full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade in warm climates)

Soil Temperature:

55–70°F

Heat Mat:

Not needed

Harden Off:

Not needed if direct sown

Row, Bed, Container Prep

Soil:

Loose, well-draining, moderately fertile soil

pH:

6.2–6.8

Soil Depth or Pot Size:

6–8 inches deep minimum; containers at least 8–10 inches deep

Trellis:

no

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeder; mix in a small amount of balanced fertilizer (5-5-5) before planting; do not overfeed

Compost:

Mix 1–2 inches into soil before planting

Transplanting/Up Potting

When:

Not recommended; plant directly where it will grow

Direct Sowing

When:

Early spring and again in fall for cool-season crops

Depth:

½ inch

Spacing:

6–8 inches apart

Water:

Keep evenly moist

Light:

Full sun to partial shade

# in Sq. Ft. Planting:

4 plants per square foot

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeding only once early; too much nitrogen causes leafy growth and fewer seeds

Days to Maturity:

45–60 days for leaves; 90–120 days for seeds

Water:

About 1 inch per week; keep consistent to prevent bolting

Pruning/Harvesting:

Harvest leaves regularly; allow plants to flower and set seed for coriander

Mulching:

Use a light layer of mulch to help keep the soil cool, hold moisture, and slow bolting. Keep mulch pulled back from the stems.

Pollination:

Self-pollinating; insects improve seed production

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Lettuce

Fennel

Spinach

–

Cabbage

–

Broccoli

–

Onions

–

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Bees, beneficial insects (ladybugs, parasitic wasps)

Aphids, spider mites (light effect)

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Aphids

Powdery Mildew

Spider Mites

Leaf Spot

Seed Saving

When:

When seed heads turn brown and dry on the plant

Method:

Cut seed heads, dry fully, then separate seeds and store

Harvest Time

When:

Leaves anytime after established; seeds when fully dry and brown

How:

Cut leaves as needed; harvest whole seed heads

What:

Leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander)

Storing:

Fresh leaves refrigerated short-term; seeds stored dry

Preservation Methods:

Drying seeds, freezing leaves

Medicinal Uses:

Traditionally Used for:

Digestion, gas relief, appetite support

Forms:

Tea, tincture, whole seeds

Dosage or Application:

Tea: 1–2 teaspoons crushed seeds per cup; Seeds: used as needed in food; Tincture: 20–40 drops

NOTICE:

This information is based on historical/traditional fact. It is for educational purposes only. Lowe Bridges Farm will not be held liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information and the results thereof is your responsibility, and yours alone.

Culinary Uses:

Flavor Profile:

Leaves are fresh, citrusy; seeds are warm, slightly sweet, and spicy

Best Used In:

Salsas, curries, spice blends, soups

Forms:

Fresh leaves, dried seeds, ground spice

As an Aromatic:

Used for:

Fresh herbal scent and spice blends

How:

Fresh leaves or dried seeds

Troubleshooting

Bolting Too Fast:

Weather too hot; plant earlier or provide shade

Poor Germination:

Soil too warm or too dry

Weak Flavor:

Too much fertilizer or too much heat

Yellowing Leaves:

Overwatering or poor drainage

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