Growing Coriander, also Cilantro, Chinese parsley

Coriandrum sativum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Coriander in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: Thin to 18 inches
  • Harvest in 30-45 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Chervil, Anise, Cabbages, Carrots
  • Avoid growing close to: Fennel
  • Coriander/Cilantro
  • Coriander flowers

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.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
24 Sep 21, chau vinh (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Is coriander perennial in zone 7a ?
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28 Sep 21, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I don't think it's perennial anywhere but if left to go to seed it will self-sow and regrow so long as the seed doesn't freeze.
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27 Sep 21, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
No, it's an annual plant regardless of zone. It will often reseed itself in good weather conditions though (not too hot, not too cold, moderate water).
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27 Jul 20, Anila (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can I grow cilantro indoors starting the end of July? Or, outdoors only?
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28 Jul 20, Sandra G. (USA - Zone 10b climate)
You can plant cilantro all year; during cooler season you may start in tray/cups whatever method and plant out when it's about one inch tall. And if you have hot weather like us in California, you can direct sow the seeds anyplace in the garden, walk around and take a good look see, anyplace where there's shade, drop some seeds. I direct sow in my containers under the zucchini, around the tomatoes, under the marigolds (my marigolds are three feet tall), basically, anyplace in the shade, and remember, cilantro is cut and come again, pick often, because if you let it grow to coriander (to seed-can grow to five feet tall), then you can save the seeds after you let the plant dry out save the flowers because they become seeds. You can get hundreds of seeds from just one plant. Good luck!
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02 Nov 20, First Time Farmer (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Fun tip - buy coriander seeds from your local Indian grocery store. It's much much cheaper than buying from seed stores or large grocery stores.
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21 Apr 20, Lisa (USA - Zone 6a climate)
When can I plant cilantro plants? Zone 6a
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22 Apr 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Check using your zone 6a eg www.gardenate.com/plant/Coriander?zone=16
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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