How to grow Coriander

At a glance

🌱 Grow your Coriander with GardenDex

• Reminders to water it, timed to your weather and whether it's in a pot
• Frost and disease alerts for your garden, the night before
• Follow it from seed to harvest, and see what your garden grew in $
• Point your camera at any plant or bug to identify it

🗓️ When to plant

Sow seeds in mid-spring after the last frost, and again in late summer for a fall harvest; coriander prefers cool weather and bolts quickly in intense heat.

🌰 How to plant

1. Sow seeds directly into the garden or pot, pressing them lightly into moist soil.
2. Space seeds 15 cm (6 in) apart or thin seedlings to this distance after sprouting.
3. Water gently after sowing and keep soil consistently moist until germination (7–10 days).
4. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil for best growth.

💧 Care

• Pinch off flower buds if you want to prolong leaf harvesting; allow flowers to develop only when you want seeds.
• Water consistently to prevent bolting, especially during warm spells.
• Thin seedlings early to reduce competition and improve air circulation.
• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool in warmer seasons.

🧺 Harvest

Pinch off outer leaves for fresh cilantro once plants are 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall, harvesting regularly to encourage bushier growth. For seeds, allow the plant to flower and mature; cut seed heads when they turn brown and dry them in a paper bag.

🐛 Common problems

Aphids: Spray affected plants with a strong water stream or treat with insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoid overhead watering.

Early bolting: Plant in cooler seasons, provide afternoon shade in hot climates, and keep soil consistently moist.

🤝 Companion plants

💚 Good neighbours: Spinach, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chives

⚠️ Keep apart from: Fennel, Dill

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