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
  • 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

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