Coriander is a fast-growing, aromatic herb prized for both its fresh leaves and flavorful seeds. The delicate, bright green leaves have a light, citrusy taste and are widely used to add freshness to salads, sauces, and cooked dishes across many cuisines. When allowed to flower, the plant produces small white blooms that develop into round, fragrant seeds known as coriander seeds.
Easy to grow and highly versatile, coriander thrives in cool conditions and can be harvested at different stages for different uses. Its leaves bring a clean, vibrant note to food, while the seeds offer a warm, slightly spicy flavour when dried. Beyond the kitchen, coriander is also valued for attracting beneficial insects to the garden and for its quick growth, making it a popular choice for home gardeners.
Step 1: Choose the Right Time Coriander grows best in cool weather. Plant in early spring or autumn. Ideal temperature: 15–22°C (59–72°F). Hot weather causes coriander to bolt (flower quickly).
Step 2: Prepare the Soil Use well-draining, fertile soil. Mix in compost or organic matter. Soil pH: 6.2–6.8.
Step 3: Prepare the Seeds Lightly crush or split the coriander seeds (they are actually seed clusters). This helps improve germination.
Step 4: Sow the Seeds Sow seeds directly into the soil (coriander dislikes transplanting). Plant seeds 1–1.5 cm deep. Space seeds 5–10 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart.
Step 5: Water Gently Water immediately after planting. Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged. Seeds germinate in 7–14 days.
Step 6: Provide Sunlight Grow in full sun to partial shade. In warm climates, afternoon shade helps slow bolting.
Step 7: Thin the Seedlings When seedlings are 5–7 cm tall, thin them to 10–15 cm apart. This improves airflow and leaf growth.
Step 8: Ongoing Care Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch lightly to keep soil cool. Avoid excess fertilizer—too much nitrogen reduces flavour.
When to Harvest Start harvesting when the plant is 15–20 cm tall. Leaves taste best before the plant flowers. Regular harvesting delays bolting and keeps plants productive.
How to Harvest Leaves Use clean scissors or your fingers. Cut the outer leaves first, close to the base. Leave the inner leaves to keep the plant growing. Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at one time.
Harvesting for Seeds (Coriander Seeds) Allow plants to flower and set seed. Seeds are ready when they turn light brown. Cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag. Let them dry fully, then shake out the seeds.
Best Time to Harvest Harvest in the early morning for the best flavor. Avoid harvesting during hot afternoons.
After Harvest Care Rinse leaves gently and pat dry. Store in the refrigerator (wrapped in damp paper towel). Fresh leaves keep for up to one week.
Extra Tips Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth. Once bolting begins, leaf flavour declines—harvest seeds instead.
