How to Grow Coriandrum Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Coriander / Cilantro

Coriander is often used in cooking, with both its seeds and leaves being used in many dishes.

Coriandrum plants are hardy annuals and grow to a height of 30 to 60 cm. They bloom with petite flowers of white, lavender or pink in the early summer.

Common names for Coriandrum genus plants include Cilantro, Coriander, and Chinese Parsley

Coriander setting seed picture

Coriander
Coriander by Henrique Vicente; Creative commons.

Coriandrum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Coriander, Chinese parsley, Cilantro.
Life Cycle: Hardy annual.
Height: 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm).
Native: Southern Europe, North Africa, Southwest Asia.

Growing Region: Zones 2 to 9.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White, pink. Umbels.
Foliage: Broadly lobed, feathery, hairless.
Fruit: 5 mm globe.

Sow Outside: 1/2 inch (12mm). Sow regularly from the last frost to summer. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Use Peat pots. Germination time: nine days to two weeks in the dark. Temperature 60°F (10°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Soil pH 6.5 to 7.5. Good drainage. Rich soils. Regular watering. Grow in area protected from the wind. Does not do well in rainy areas. Do not transplant as Coriandrum have delicate taproots. Only harvest leaves before flowering occurs.

Family: Apiaceae / Umbelliferae
Miscellaneous: Well used culinary plant. Leaves have a citrus taste and are a popular ingredient in Asian and Mexican dishes. Due to genetics many people describe the taste as soapy. Fruits are usually crushed and have a spicy, citrus and nutty flavour.

How to grow Coriander / Cilantro (Coriandrum)

If planning to grow Coriandrum / Cilantro outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seed every two weeks at a depth of 1 cm from the last frost of spring until the autumn.

Coriander likes to grow in an area that has plenty of sunlight, and prefers a rich soil of pH 6 to 7.

If you plan to grow seedlings of coriander indoors then they should be grown in peat pots and prepared about 6 to 7 weeks before you plan to put them out, from early spring onwards.

Alternatively you can grow them indoors all year around.

Harvesting Coriander / Cilantro

Both the leaves and seeds of Coriandrum can be used in cooking. Coriander seeds should be harvested by covering the stalks and seeds in a paper bag, tape the bottom of it, and allow the coriander seed to set.

When ready simply snip the stem and remove the bag, and rub the fruit to release the coriander seeds.

If you are harvesting the leaves, then simply snip them off when required and use fresh.

Common Questions

How many members does the Coriandrum genus have?

The Coriandrum genus is a monotypic genus, having only one species, Coriandrum sativum.

Do members of Coriandrum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Coriandrum or coriander, is a popular herb for kitchen gardens due to its edible leaves and seeds, adding not only greenery but also utility.

Which Coriandrum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

As there is only one species, Coriandrum sativum, also known as coriander or cilantro, is the species grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Coriandrum plant genus fragrant?

Yes, Coriandrum sativum has a distinctive, fragrant aroma that is a characteristic feature of this herb.

What is the perfect location to grow Coriandrum?

Coriandrum prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. It is a good choice for a sunny kitchen garden or windowsill.

Is Coriandrum invasive in the USA?

Presently, Coriandrum is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Coriandrum plants from my garden?

Coriandrum plants can be easily uprooted from the soil. Ensure all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Coriandrum genus, part of the Apiaceae family, is native to southwestern Asia and North Africa. The most known species, Coriandrum sativum, also known as cilantro or coriander, is an annual herb recognized for its aromatic leaves and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or summer.

To grow Coriandrum, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring or autumn. Regular watering is necessary, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in herb gardens, vegetable gardens, or as cut herbs for their edible leaves and seeds.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Coriandrum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Apiaceae growing guides: How to grow Aniseed and Petroselinum plants.