Look, I'll be honest – my first attempt at growing coriander was a disaster. I tossed some seeds in a pot, forgot about them for weeks, then wondered why I got three sad-looking sprouts. Sound familiar? After killing more coriander plants than I'd like to admit, I finally cracked the code. Turns out, how do I grow coriander isn't just about throwing seeds in dirt. It's about understanding this herb's quirky personality.
Funny story: Last summer I planted coriander in full sun because "all plants love sun, right?" Wrong. They bolted faster than a startled rabbit. Lesson learned the hard way.
Getting This Straight: Coriander vs. Cilantro Confusion
Before we dig in, let's clear this up quick. In the US, we call the leaves and stems "cilantro" while the dried seeds are "coriander." But in most gardening circles globally, the whole plant is called coriander. For this guide, when I say coriander, I'm talking about the herb you grow for both leaves and seeds. No more confusion at the seed packet rack!
The Right Stuff: Choosing Seeds That Won't Let You Down
Garbage seeds = garbage plants. I learned this after wasting months on old supermarket seeds. Here's what really works:
| Variety | Days to Harvest | Special Notes | My Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Calypso' | 50-55 days | Slow to bolt, bushy growth | ★★★★★ (my go-to!) |
| 'Leisure' | 55-60 days | Great for leaf production | ★★★★☆ |
| 'Santo' | 50-55 days | Standard commercial type | ★★★☆☆ (bolts faster in heat) |
| 'Indian Scent' | 40-45 days | Strong flavor, heat tolerant | ★★★★☆ |
Pro tip: Always check the packaging date. Coriander seeds lose viability fast – anything older than 2 years is risky. I keep mine in a sealed jar in the fridge.
Why Seed Quality Matters
Fresh seeds germinate in 7-10 days. Old ones? Maybe 3 weeks if you're lucky. Trust me, waiting for dud seeds to sprout is more frustrating than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions.
Timing Is Everything: When to Plant Coriander
This is where most beginners (including past me) mess up. Plant at the wrong time and your plants will bolt before you get decent leaves. Here's the cheat sheet:
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Times | Avoid Planting |
|---|---|---|
| Cool Climates (Zones 3-5) | Late spring to early summer Late summer for fall crop |
When frost threatens |
| Temperate Climates (Zones 6-8) | Early spring & early fall | Peak summer heat |
| Warm Climates (Zones 9-11) | Fall through early spring | Mid-summer (it'll bolt immediately) |
Soil temperature sweet spot: 55-70°F (12-21°C). I use a $5 soil thermometer – cheaper than wasting seeds.
Bolting alert: When temps consistently hit 75°F (24°C), coriander thinks it's showtime for flowers. If you see flower stalks forming, harvest immediately!
Succession Planting Trick
Here's my system: Plant new seeds every 3 weeks during your growing season. That way when one batch bolts, the next is ready. Simple but revolutionary for continuous harvests.
Location, Location, Location: Where Coriander Actually Thrives
Think real estate rules apply to gardening? Absolutely. Put coriander in the wrong spot and it sulks.
Sunlight Sweet Spot: Morning sun + afternoon shade. In cooler zones, 5-6 hours direct sun works. In hot areas, 3-4 hours max. My current best-performing patch gets east-facing light only until noon.
Soil Requirements:
- pH: 6.2-6.8 (slightly acidic)
- Texture: Loamy and crumbly – add compost if heavy clay
- Drainage: Critical! Soggy soil = dead coriander. I mix in perlite for pots.
Container Growing Hacks
No garden? No problem. My balcony coriander does better than my in-ground plants sometimes. Keys:
- Pot depth: Minimum 10 inches (roots go deep)
- Material: Terracotta breathes better than plastic
- Drainage holes: Non-negotiable
I use 14-inch wide pots for decent yield. Smaller pots dry out too fast.
Seed Starting Secrets: Getting Those Stubborn Seeds to Sprout
Coriander seeds have a reputation for being difficult. Truth is, they just need special handling:
Step 1: Crush the Seed Husks
Gently crack seeds between two boards or use a rolling pin. Don't pulverize – just fracture the outer shell.
Gently crack seeds between two boards or use a rolling pin. Don't pulverize – just fracture the outer shell.
Step 2: Soak Overnight
Room temperature water for 12-24 hours. They'll plump up noticeably.
Step 3: Planting Depth Matters
Plant 1/4 inch deep. Any deeper and they struggle. Any shallower and they dry out.
Step 4: Keep Soil Moist (Not Soggy)
Use a spray bottle initially. Heavy watering dislodges seeds.
Germination Timeline
| Conditions | Germination Time |
|---|---|
| Optimal (70°F / 21°C moist soil) | 7-10 days |
| Cooler (55-60°F / 13-15°C) | 14-21 days |
| Poor quality seeds | May not sprout at all |
Patience isn't just a virtue here – it's mandatory. I mark planting dates on popsicle sticks so I don't panic.
Keeping Plants Happy: Water, Food & Pest Control
Nail these three and you're golden:
Watering: The Balancing Act
Consistent moisture is key, but "moist" doesn't mean swampy. Stick your finger in the soil:
- Top inch dry? Water thoroughly
- Still damp? Wait
In pots, I water every 2-3 days in summer. In ground, deep watering twice weekly beats daily sprinkles.
Feeding: Less Is More
Coriander isn't a heavy feeder. I use:
- At planting: Mix compost into soil
- Every 4 weeks: Diluted fish emulsion (half strength)
Over-fertilizing = lots of weak leaves with no flavor. Ask me how I know...
Pest Patrol: Organic Solutions That Work
| Pest | Signs | My Organic Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters under leaves, sticky residue | Blast with water spray Neem oil spray (weekly) |
| Leafhoppers | Yellow stippling on leaves | Floating row covers Insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation Milk spray (1:9 milk:water) |
Prevention tip: Space plants 6-8 inches apart. Crowding invites disease.
Harvesting Like a Pro: Leaves, Seeds & Roots
Here's where many gardeners miss opportunities:
Leaf Harvesting
When plants are 6 inches tall:
- Use scissors (not fingers!)
- Cut outer leaves first
- Never remove more than 1/3 of plant
Morning harvest = best flavor. I grab mine before breakfast coffee.
Seed Saving Master Class
Let flowers turn brown and dry on plant. Then:
- Cut entire seed heads
- Place in paper bag
- Hang upside down in dry place for 2 weeks
- Crush heads to release seeds
- Store in airtight container
Bonus: Save some seeds for planting next season!
Don't Forget the Roots!
Thai cooks know this secret. Coriander roots have intense flavor. Wash thoroughly, chop finely, and use in curries or pastes. Game changer.
Troubleshooting: Solving Your Coriander Crises
We've all been there. Here's my diagnostic chart:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing lower leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Let soil dry between waterings Add perlite/sand to soil |
| Leggy, weak growth | Insufficient light | Move to brighter location Supplement with grow light |
| No germination | Old seeds or incorrect planting depth | Use fresh seeds Plant at 1/4 inch depth |
| Bolting too early | High temperatures or root disturbance | Plant earlier/later in season Transplant carefully |
Your Coriander Questions Answered (No Fluff!)
Why does my coriander always bolt?
Three main triggers: Heat (over 75°F/24°C), long daylight hours, or root stress. Choose bolt-resistant varieties like 'Calypso' and plant in cooler seasons.
Can I grow coriander indoors year-round?
Yes, but it's tricky. You'll need:
- Strong grow lights (14 hours/day)
- Good air circulation (fan helps)
- Cool room temperature (below 70°F/21°C)
Honestly? I find indoor coriander more effort than it's worth unless you're super dedicated.
How do I grow coriander faster?
Speed hacks:
- Pre-soak seeds as described earlier
- Use seedling heat mat (maintains 65-70°F soil)
- Apply liquid seaweed extract weekly
But honestly, good things take time. Rushing usually backfires.
Why does my homegrown coriander taste different from store-bought?
Three reasons: Variety differences, fresher leaves (= stronger flavor), and growing conditions. Sun exposure especially changes flavor compounds. Don't worry – yours is likely more authentic!
Can I regrow coriander from supermarket cuttings?
Sometimes, but it's unreliable. If roots are intact:
- Trim leaves to 2 inches
- Place stems in water
- Change water daily
- Plant in soil once roots appear
Success rate in my kitchen: about 40%. Better off starting from seeds.
Preserving Your Bounty: Beyond Dried Leaves
Drying coriander leaves? Waste of time. They lose all flavor. Try these instead:
Freezing Method (Best for flavor):
1. Chop fresh leaves
2. Pack into ice cube trays
3. Cover with water or olive oil
4. Freeze solid
5. Transfer to bags
Toss frozen cubes directly into cooked dishes. Game changer for winter stews!
1. Chop fresh leaves
2. Pack into ice cube trays
3. Cover with water or olive oil
4. Freeze solid
5. Transfer to bags
Toss frozen cubes directly into cooked dishes. Game changer for winter stews!
Coriander Pesto:
Blend leaves, garlic, nuts (pine or cashew), parmesan, and oil. Freezes beautifully in jars.
Seed Storage:
Keep in airtight containers in cool, dark place. Good for 2-3 years.
Final Reality Check: Is Growing Coriander Worth It?
Here's my unfiltered take: If you want cheap cilantro, buy bunches at the store. But if you want vibrant flavor and the satisfaction of snipping fresh herbs minutes before dinner? Absolutely grow your own.
The magic happens when you taste homegrown coriander – it's like comparing sun-ripened tomatoes to grocery store cardboard. Once you experience that peppery punch in your salsa or curry, you'll never ask "how do I grow coriander" with doubt again.
Start small. One pot. Follow these steps. When you succeed (and you will), expand. Gardening isn't about perfection – it's about delicious lessons learned.