Lyla Lindsey
Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a herb grown for its leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. It is used in many Asian dishes, soups, and salads, and can also be ground into pesto. Coriander is best grown in a sunny position over autumn, winter, and early spring, and requires moist, well-drained soil. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for growing coriander in Australia, including the ideal planting times, watering techniques, and common pests to look out for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, rich, organic |
| Sunlight | Full sun in winter, part shade in summer |
| Temperature | Cool, not hot |
| Watering schedule | Regular, not erratic |
| Fertiliser | All-purpose liquid, high-nitrogen liquid |
| Seed spacing | 6mm deep, 10-25cm apart |
| Seed planting time | August to March, every few weeks |
| Seed germination time | 2 weeks |
| Harvest time | When leaves are bright green and young, and the plant is 10-15cm tall |
| Plant lifespan | 3-6 months |
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What You'll Learn
The best time to plant coriander seeds
Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a herb grown for its leaves and spicy seeds. It is best planted from mid to late autumn through to early spring. Avoid planting in late spring, as the hot weather will cause the coriander to bolt and run to seed before it can be used.
Coriander is most commonly grown in a pot—either in a little shade on the patio or on a windowsill that doesn't receive direct sunlight in summer and doesn't get too hot. If growing coriander in a pot, use a good-quality potting mix and liquid fertilise every month or so. If growing coriander in the ground, prepare the soil as for other herbs (i.e. friable, well-drained, and fertilised).
Sow coriander seeds directly into the veggie or herb garden where you want the plants to grow. Sow into well-prepared, moist soil. Sow seeds 6mm deep and 20cm apart. If you specifically want to grow coriander for its seeds, sow them 20-25cm apart. Keep the soil or potting mix moist as coriander tends to run to seed if allowed to dry out, but take care not to overwater, especially in autumn and winter, as too much water can lead to rotting.
If you're planting in your patch, working in some organic matter, like compost, is a good idea. Coriander loves nothing more than rich, moist soil in a nice sunny spot. An erratic watering schedule will cause coriander to bolt, so water regularly.
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How to care for coriander in summer
Coriander, or cilantro, is a popular herb grown for its aromatic leaves and spicy seeds. It is a versatile ingredient in many dishes, including salads, curries, and pesto. While coriander is relatively low-maintenance, it does require some care to thrive, especially during the hot Australian summer. Here are some tips to help your coriander plants survive and flourish during the warmer months:
Provide Shade
Coriander prefers a cool position with light shade, especially during the summer. Direct sunlight can cause coriander to bolt quickly, so consider growing it on a shaded patio or a windowsill that doesn't receive direct sunlight. If you're growing coriander in a garden, provide some shade with a tree or a shade cloth, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Water Regularly
Coriander needs ample moisture, especially when young. Water your coriander plants regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moderately moist at all times. Potted coriander dries out faster than coriander grown in beds, so pay extra attention to your potted plants, especially on hot summer days. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to waterlogging or root rot, especially in autumn and winter.
Fertilise Regularly
Fertilise your coriander plants every couple of weeks during late spring and summer. Use a light liquid feed of an all-purpose fertiliser or a compost tea. Avoid high-potash fertilisers, as these will encourage premature flowering.
Prevent Bolting
Bolting occurs when coriander plants are stressed and rush to flower and set seed. This can be triggered by dry periods, so ensure your plants are well-watered. Additionally, providing a protective mulch layer can help retain moisture and prevent bolting.
Pest Control
Caterpillars, snails, slugs, and aphids can be pests for coriander plants. Check your plants regularly and remove any pests by hand or with an appropriate insecticide spray. Encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, to help control the pest population.
Harvest Leaves
To encourage continuous leaf growth, harvest your coriander leaves regularly. The best time to cut the leaves is in June, before the plant flowers. Slice through the stems of individual leaves, leaving the plant intact, and new leaves will continue to form.
By following these care tips, you can help your coriander plants thrive during the Australian summer and enjoy a constant supply of fresh, aromatic leaves for your culinary creations.
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How to prevent coriander from bolting
Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a herb grown for its leaves and seeds. It is prone to bolting, or running to seed, in hot weather. If you are growing coriander, there are several things you can do to prevent it from bolting.
Firstly, ensure your coriander is planted in a cool, shaded spot with well-drained soil. Direct sun and hot weather can cause coriander to bolt quickly, so providing light shade can help to prevent this. If growing coriander in a pot, ensure the pot is not made of terracotta as this dries out faster than other materials.
Secondly, maintain a consistent watering schedule. Coriander left to dry out will bolt, so it is important to monitor the soil moisture and water when needed. Keep the soil moderately moist at all times, but be careful not to overwater, especially in autumn and winter, as too much water can lead to root rot.
Thirdly, use a slow-bolt variety of coriander, such as 'Calypso' or 'Yates Coriander'. These varieties are less likely to bolt, but even these can be unreliable in very hot or cold weather or when the plants experience sudden changes in their growing conditions.
Additionally, you can try mulching to keep the soil temperature down. A soil with a lot of organic matter and a nice mulch layer will keep moisture in the soil longer. Also, make sure your coriander plants are not packed in too close together, as this can cause them to become stressed and bolt.
Finally, harvest your coriander regularly. The more you pick, the more the plant will grow, and harvesting often can help to delay bolting.
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How to harvest coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a herb grown for its leaves, seeds, stalks, and roots. It is used in many Asian dishes, soups, salads, and pesto. The whole plant can be harvested and used.
Coriander is usually grown in pots or containers, in a position that receives either full sun during winter or part shade during summer. The soil should be rich, moist, and well-drained. It is important to not let the soil dry out, as this may cause the coriander to bolt (or set seed). However, do not overwater, especially in autumn and winter, as this can lead to rotting.
When harvesting coriander leaves, it is best to start when they are bright green and young, and the plants are 10-15 cm tall. You can either chop off the foliage as required or pull the whole plant out of the ground. Snipping off the leaves encourages more to grow back.
If you are growing coriander for its seeds, you can harvest them when they are young and bright green, or wait until they turn brown. The green seeds have a sharper flavour and are hard to find in grocery stores. To harvest the brown seeds, cut off the seed heads along with a few inches of stalk and hang them upside down in a brown paper bag. Once the seeds are fully dry, they will fall off into the bottom of the bag. Store the dry seeds in a lidded glass jar in a cool, dry location. For the best flavour, grind the seeds right before use.
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The best soil type for coriander
Coriander is a versatile herb that can be used in many Asian dishes, paired with fish, soups, salads, and even ground into pesto. It is renowned for being difficult to grow due to its tendency to bolt quickly, especially in direct sunlight. To successfully grow coriander, it is important to create the right soil environment.
The ideal soil for coriander is a blend that is neither too sandy nor too clay-heavy, but just right, with a healthy mix of organic matter. This organic matter can include compost, which acts as a superfood for the plants, providing them with essential nutrients. Coco coir is another example of organic matter that can be used. Additionally, a layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil.
To ensure proper drainage and aeration, mix organic matter with perlite and sand. This combination prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged, a condition that coriander roots particularly dislike. The ideal soil mix should be one-third organic matter, one-third perlite, and one-third sand. This mix provides the necessary nutrients while also ensuring proper water management and breathability for the roots.
It is crucial to monitor the moisture content of the soil and maintain a balanced watering routine. Coriander requires moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as coriander roots appreciate a drier environment. Regularly check the soil moisture, especially if using terracotta pots, which tend to dry out faster.
By creating the right soil environment, providing partial shade, and maintaining a consistent watering schedule, you can successfully grow coriander and enjoy its versatility in your culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Coriander is best planted from mid to late Autumn through to early Spring.
To ensure a continual supply of coriander, plant seeds every few weeks from September through to the end of Autumn.
Coriander is commonly grown in a pot on a windowsill that doesn't receive direct sunlight in summer or in a slightly shaded spot in the garden that avoids the hot afternoon sun.
Coriander tends to bolt when it is stressed, so make sure to keep the soil moist and water regularly.
