Coriander

What you'll need:

Coriander seeds (you can find these at most garden centers or even in the spice aisle at the grocery store)

A pot (at least 8 inches deep) or a small patch in your garden

Regular potting soil or garden soil (light and well-draining is best)

A watering can or spray bottle

• A sunny spot, but not too hot!

When to start:

Coriander prefers cooler weather, so spring or early fall is the perfect time to plant. If you live in a warmer climate, aim for late fall when temperatures cool down a bit. Avoid planting in the peak of summer as coriander doesn’t like extreme heat.

Choosing the right spot:

Coriander loves sunlight but also appreciates some shade during the hottest part of the day. If you're planting outside, pick a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoors? Place it near a window that gets a few hours of sunlight but isn’t scorching hot.

If you have seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours before planting. This helps them germinate faster.
2. Fill a pot with soil or clear a patch in your garden.
3. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Don't bury them too deep—just lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil (about ¼ inch).
4. Gently water the soil so it’s moist but not soaking wet.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist while you wait for the seeds to sprout, which usually takes about 7-10 days.

If you’re direct sowing in the garden:

• Make sure to space the seeds about 6 inches apart to give each plant enough room to grow.
• Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out so there's about 6-8 inches between each plant. This gives them enough space to thrive.

Pro-tip: Coriander grows quickly, so don’t be afraid to plant a new batch every couple of weeks for a continuous supply!

Watering:

• Coriander likes moist soil but hates being waterlogged. Water regularly, especially if it’s warm outside, but make sure the soil drains well.
• Check the soil daily—if the top feels dry, it’s time to water again. A light sprinkle in the morning works best.

Sunlight:

• As mentioned earlier, coriander enjoys sunlight but prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day. If you notice the leaves looking a bit droopy or yellow, it might be getting too much sun.

Feeding:

• Coriander doesn’t need heavy feeding. A little compost mixed into the soil at planting time should be enough. If you want to give it a boost, use a light liquid fertilizer once a month—but don’t overdo it!

Bolting prevention:

• Coriander tends to "bolt" (flower and go to seed) quickly in hot weather. To prevent this, keep it in a cooler spot and water consistently. If it does bolt, don’t worry—you can still harvest the seeds for cooking or let them drop to grow more plants later.

Pest control:

• Coriander is pretty resilient, but watch out for aphids. If you see tiny bugs on the leaves, rinse them off with a gentle spray of water or use an organic insecticidal soap.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting coriander leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall. This usually happens around 3-4 weeks after planting.
• For leaf harvest, simply snip off the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.
• If you’re after coriander seeds, let the plant flower and form seed heads. The seeds will be ready to harvest when they turn brown and dry (usually 2-3 weeks after flowering).

How to harvest:

• Leaves: Cut the stems just above a leaf node (where the leaves meet the stem). This encourages the plant to bush out and produce more leaves.
• Seeds: Once the seeds are dry, cut the entire seed head and place it in a paper bag. Shake the bag gently to release the seeds.

Storage:

• Fresh coriander leaves can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Place them in a jar with a little water (like a bouquet) and cover loosely with a plastic bag.
• Dried coriander seeds can be stored in an airtight container for months. Use them whole or grind them into powder for cooking.

Q: My coriander is turning yellow. What’s wrong?

A: Yellow leaves often mean the plant is either getting too much water or not enough. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, cut back on watering. If it’s too dry, water more frequently.

Q: Why does my coriander keep bolting (flowering)?

A: Coriander bolts when it gets too hot or stressed. Try planting it in a shadier spot or during cooler seasons (spring or fall). Regular watering can also help prevent bolting.

Q: Can I grow coriander indoors?

A: Yes! Place it near a sunny window that gets at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight. Make sure the pot has good drainage, and water it regularly.

Q: How do I know when the seeds are ready to harvest?

A: The seeds are ready when they turn brown and feel dry to the touch. If the seed heads start cracking open, that’s another sign they’re ready.

Q: Is cilantro the same as coriander?

A: Yes! In many places, the leaves are called cilantro, and the seeds are called coriander. They come from the same plant—just different parts!