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 |
