Coriander: Coriandrum Sativum
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KEY
Annual | 7-14 days | MAR-SEP | 50 days
ABOUT
Coriander has been around for centuries. It is hard to pinpoint the exact origin as it has been cultivated by many groups, including the Ancient Egyptians. The name coriander originates from an ancient Greek word which further highlights the longevity and popularity of the herb that is well-known for its distinctive flavour!
SOWING & PLANTING
🌱 Soil Type: Coriander grows best in loamy soil.
☀️ Sunlight: Coriander requires at least 6 hours of full sun exposure
🌱 Let sow for 7 to 14 days before moving to a bigger pot or outdoors.
Indoors:
Coriander seeds can be sown from March through to September at the latest. Sow a thin layer of seeds in clay soil, less than 1cm deep, and lightly cover. Ensure the soil is kept moist but avoid overwatering as this may cause bolting.
It is best to fully grow coriander indoors or directly plant the seeds outdoors. This is due to its large taproot that makes it difficult to transplant successfully. If you do wish to transplant your seedlings, do so around 3 weeks after the last frost.
Outdoors:
When growing outdoors it is still advised to sow your seeds in a pot rather than directly sowing into the ground. The same soil and watering requirements apply.
GROWING & CARE
💧 While growing, coriander requires moderate watering at least twice a week. Once fully-grown, they do not need as much water per week. Be careful not to overwater.
Indoors:
The plant requires 4-5 hours of sun exposure every day, so it is best to place it on a window sill where it will have access to sunlight. However, ensure it is not exposed to heat for a prolonged time, ensuring that the area gets cool too.
When grown indoors coriander may need extra nutrition to compensate. Use a fertilizer on occasion to boost the nutrients in the roots. Weed the plant as often as needed to ensure productivity and quality.
💚 Care tip: Make sure the pot you use has sufficient drainage holes. When watering, keep going until water comes out of the holes at the bottom.
Outdoors:
Place in a partially shaded area that still has access to sunlight - a patio is perfect. Be careful of slugs as they leave holes in the leaves of your Coriander, affecting the quality of the harvest. The best ways to prevent them is to mulch the area with grit or use organic slug pellets.
COMPANION VARIETIES
Basil
Parsley
Spinach
Lettuce
HARVESTING
Harvest when the plant is a bright green and around 10 - 15cm long. You can pick off individual leaves or cut a few stems at a time, around 1/3 of the way down. If your coriander plant is growing well you can harvest once a week!
💚 Care tip: When cutting or harvesting, ensure that your hands are clean to stop the spread of disease to the plant.
PRESERVING
A great way to preserve coriander is to trim the ends of the stems and place in a jar of water. Ensure only the stems are submerged. Cover with a small plastic bag and keep in the fridge. It is best to change the water every few days. Coriander can also be stored in oil or frozen.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Coriander is rich in antioxidants and great for aiding digestion. Some research suggests that it is also good for lowering blood sugar and improving the health of your heart.
