Growing Coriander, also Cilantro, Chinese parsley
Coriandrum sativum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | 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.
- 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
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.
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