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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: Thin to 45 cm
  • Harvest in 30-45 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Chervil, Anise, Cabbages, Carrots
  • Avoid growing close to: Fennel
  • Coriander/Cilantro
  • Coriander flowers

Broadcast sow and thin to 45 cm apart. Grows to about 60 cm.

Harvest 30 - 45 days

A half-hardy herb with feathery leaves.

Grows more reliably from seeds as coriander is liable to bolt to flower and seed when seedlings are transplanted.

Coriander is frost tender but it doesn't like extreme heat. So in temperate zones grow coriander during summer, in sub-tropical/tropical zones grow it during the cooler season.

Needs a sunny spot and mulch to prevent drying out. Keep very well watered. If they dry out, then they will bolt to seed. Plant in successions (planting new seed every few weeks) to get a continuous supply.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Coriander

Use the leaves to flavour hot meals or add fresh to salads.
The seeds can be dried and ground up for curries.

Your comments and tips

07 Jan 17, Fui Ching Chiang (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Where can i order coriander/cilantro seeds for growing in my garden? I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. Thank you.
08 Jan 17, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You can order seeds on-line. Try egmontsseeds.co.nz
27 Jan 17, Prakash Chandra (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Coriander seeds can be bought from any Indian spice shops.Ask specifically for planting. Soak it overnight in water overnight.Add lots of compost. Takes about two weeks to grow. Needs constant watering
08 Jan 17, Alison (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Koanga seeds is great. I let mine seed in the garden and have constant coriander :)
11 May 17, Jos (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Coriander seed sold to be used in cookingoften doesn't give very good results. Not worth the hassle
12 May 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
There's a fair change that the seed has lost its viability but still okay for cooking.
21 Sep 17, Hedia Paaka (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This is the first time I have started growing coriander, the seedlings are starting to pop up. Would you recommend coriander and parsley be grown in the same pot. Thanks.
07 Nov 18, Ingo (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown Coreander now 3 times but the leaves are tasteless no coriander tast. Can someone explain please.
09 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Suggest you try a different variety. Try the internet for different seeds.
20 Jul 20, Anne Shaw (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there I live close to the mountains in Central North Island and its quite a damp and cold climate. It also gets frosts here. Am wondering if its still okay to try grow Coriander in the garden (and cover on frosty nights) or if its better to grow inside due to the colder climate? Thanks
Showing 1 - 10 of 14 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Coriander

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.