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Herb

Coriander

Coriandrum sativum · also Cilantro

A fast herb grown for leaves, seeds and roots. In Adelaide it bolts to seed in a few weeks of warm weather, so it does best sown in autumn and late winter. Sow directly where it's to grow and keep sowing small batches every few weeks.

When to plant where you live

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Planting times for other areas

Varieties (2)

  • Slow-bolt (e.g. Calypso, Santo)Selected to hold leaves longer before flowering; the best choice for home leaf supply
  • Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata)A different, perennial plant with a similar flavour that copes with summer heat; grow in moist part shade

Neighbours

Grows well with

From seed to plate

  1. Plant

    20 cm apart, seed 10 mm deep. Full sun or part shade.

  2. Water

    Keep moist.

  3. Feed

    Little needed.

  4. Pick, from about 6 weeks

    Pick leaves; let some seed for spice.

Good to know

  • Lightly crush the round seed husks before sowing to speed germination
  • When it bolts, leave it: the flowers feed beneficial insects and the green seeds are tasty
  • Harvest outer leaves often to keep it leafy

Common problems

  • Boltingsow in cooler months, in part shade during spring, and keep moist
  • Aphidshose off; flowers attract hoverflies that eat them
  • Transplant shocksow seed directly; seedlings resent root disturbance

If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.

Ask the garden helper about corianderAny question, answered from the plant libraryHow others are growing corianderQuestions, tips and harvests from the community
Where this information comes from

Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.