Your guide to planting, caring and harvesting coriander (cilantro.)
Arguably the most polarising of herbs. While some are mad about this lemony addition to dishes, others are utterly perturbed by its presence. Whatever your preference, there are a few tricks to growing it successfully through the seasons.
Fun fact: Coriander (a.k.a cilantro or Chinese parsley) is native to southern Europe but made its way to the Middle East, India, Asia and South America when the great trade routes opened. Hence its versatility in Thai, Indian and Mexican dishes, to name only a few.
When to plant & grow coriander —
Coriander is an annual that can be grown almost year round. It’s especially successful in spring, summer and autumn.
For big coriander eaters, it’s best sown or planted regularly and often, resulting in a staggered harvest. Plant new seedlings every 2 to 4 weeks for a continuous supply.
Where to grow coriander —
Known to bolt when it’s too hot, it’s best to grow coriander in partial shade through summer. You need to avoid planting it in a spot where it will be blasted with the hot midday sun.
A good way to do this is by planting it behind tall growing plants in your vegetable garden. It is less likely to bolt in the cooler months, so plant in full sun in autumn and winter.
Plant in free-draining soil, away from fennel (they don’t like each other so much) and be careful not to disturb their roots if transplanting.
Coriander can be grown in garden beds, containers or raised planters.
How to care for coriander plants —
PREP SOIL — with sheep manure and/or compost – something most edibles enjoy!
WATER — in the mornings and regularly. Remember that it will go to seed if it gets too dry over summer.
PICK — often, to avoid it going to seed.
How to harvest coriander —
This herb is quick growing. Picking regularly will encourage fresh foliage and delay it going to seed. All parts of the plant are edible, from the foliage to the roots and seeds.
