Growing Coriander, also Cilantro, Chinese parsley

Coriandrum sativum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Coriander in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: Thin to 18 inches
  • Harvest in 30-45 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Chervil, Anise, Cabbages, Carrots
  • Avoid growing close to: Fennel

Your comments and tips

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16 Jul 11, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes, it's always the same, regular coriander will bolt in the Victorian summer. I returned from Thailand with some seeds earlier this year and sowed them together with the seeds I've been using in the past. But this time, I sowed them at the end of summer. Wonderful bushy leafy coriander is growing through the winter, just clip and use, then it keeps growing. Even frost here in Yarra Valley has not stopped it. Best crop ever, but not crossing my fingers for this summer's plantings. Winter is the trick and same suggestion from Thai friends.
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22 Jul 11, hz (Australia - arid climate)
I had luck with a $1.50 pkt of coriander seeds from Aldi ( meant for the kitchen, but I planted them lol) - better than more expensive brand coriander seed from the garden centre. Winter is the go, it hates the Aussie sun !
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24 Jun 10, Julie Lake (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Re Ashley and Coriander - glad I could be of help. I alternate it with Vietnamese mint as a summer herb because it has a similar flavour and can be grown through the hot, wet season.
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18 Apr 10, Chris@Gardenate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've updated the recommended planting dates based on everyone's advice for sub-tropical regions. Thanks!
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28 Feb 10, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For those of with summers too warm for coriander... Another option is 'long-leaf coriander' (Eryngium foetidum), a completely different species. Not quite as yummy as normal coriander, it has a strong coriander taste, and it copes with heat. I grow it in semi-shade all summer long. You need two lots - one you allow to go to seed, and the eating one where you pick-out the flower stalks as they form, to avoid the leaves getting too prickly.
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28 Feb 10, Leah (Australia - temperate climate)
I have struggled to keep coriander producing in the past too (i.e goes to seed very fast) However, the best way I have recently found is to plant seed around other leafy vegetables, where it stays moist and shaded. I have had ALOT of coriander come up under and around my beetroot and it is thriving happily there... I just pick leaves as I need them which keeps the plants small enough to be happy under the other plants.
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21 Feb 10, ashley (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
To Julie Lake , re coriander,thanks for the advice , convincing proof of the accuracy of your advice is just starting to appear in pots and garden I seeded about 2 months back - lets hope I get enough for a supply of seed. Will have to find some way for around the year supply because we really get through some and I hate buying those limp supermarket offerings. Thanks again.
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14 Feb 10, Julie Lake (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mainly for Ashley at Tweed Heads - I live at Tamborine Mtn and have grown coriander for years - rule is, plant seed in autumn (or buy young plants in winter) and grow through winter, harvest in late spring. Save seed and sow again in, say, April-May. Don't even think of trying to grow in summer!
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27 Jan 10, ashley (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am a great coriander fan and my wife is Thai so you can imagine it gets plenty of use. I have been trying to grow from seed while she is away .. I have tried direct sowing in the garden without success had some success with seed brought direct from farm in Thailand (seedlings had small bluish tip when germinating in potting mix, some transplants worked. Currently trying to grow from seed harvested both locally and from the imported plants. Used potting mix in pots this time but nothing showing after 3 weeks , very hot weather , kept up water and used all purpose bead fertiliser in modest quantities. Any and all advice appreciated . Location Tweed heads.
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15 Sep 09, Peter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I tried some coriander last year and it didn't do much of anything. Then during winter I noticed a few small plants had popped up on their own! Those are now big, healthy plants and spring has only barely begun. Finally I have good coriander and without having to do a thing. If you are in Melbourne like me, I'd advise to plant the seeds in early/mid autumn, so the plant can establish itself over winter.
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Showing 141 - 150 of 167 comments
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You can plant cilantro all year; during cooler season you may start in tray/cups whatever method and plant out when it's about one inch tall. And if you have hot weather like us in California, you can direct sow the seeds anyplace in the garden, walk around and take a good look see, anyplace where there's shade, drop some seeds. I direct sow in my containers under the zucchini, around the tomatoes, under the marigolds (my marigolds are three feet tall), basically, anyplace in the shade, and remember, cilantro is cut and come again, pick often, because if you let it grow to coriander (to seed-can grow to five feet tall), then you can save the seeds after you let the plant dry out save the flowers because they become seeds. You can get hundreds of seeds from just one plant. Good luck!

- Sandra G.

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