Coriander is a popular ingredient in many dishes and has become one of the most ( if not the most) popular herb that is grown and purchased for use.
It’s fresh taste and fragrant smell make this herb a favorite across the world and, as it is so easy to grow, it is well within the reach of even the most novice of gardeners.
Also known as cilantro, you can easily grow coriander from seeds that you buy at the grocery store, provided that the seeds are fresh and have not been subjected to any form of preservation or other treatment. Unless the seeds are very old you should have little, if any trouble growing grocery store coriander seeds.
How do you grow store bought coriander seeds?
You’ll adopt the same technique as though you were dealing with seeds bought from a garden center or seed supplier.
Coriander is best started in pots, so take a seed tray or pot and fill with a general purpose compost and water this.
Plant the seeds carefully and cover with a thin layer of compost.
Cover the pots with a plastic bag or cling film and place in a warm spot.
You should see growth within about 7 to 10 days, after which you’ll need to remove the cover and place the pots in a light area.
How to grow your coriander into larger plants
You’ll need to repot the seedlings into larger pots of compost.
Remove each seedling carefully so that you do not damage the roots and re-plant into a larger pot of compost, ideally this should be the final pot for the plant.
You can also plant your young plants into well prepared and composted garden soil, providing it is in a warm spot.
Seedlings should be planted approximately 3 to 4 inches apart to provide them with enough room.
Growing pots of coriander
It is possible to grow large pots of coriander that you can have indoors or in the garden.
If you use a large pot when sowing the seeds you remove the need for any transplanting and the plants will not be damaged or disturbed by re-planting.
Simply make sure that the pot is about 8 to 10 inches wide, fill with a good quality compost and sow the seeds directly into this.
Keep it in a warm place, well watered until the seedlings appear.
When the plants are growing strongly move into the final position which should be in the sun and away from any draughts or cold winds.
Can you grow coriander outdoors?
Yes, coriander can be grown outdoors. It can be grown successfully in outdoor gardens or containers, provided the appropriate conditions are met.
Here are some tips for growing coriander outdoors:
Climate: Coriander prefers cool temperatures, ideally between 50°F (10°C) and 75°F (24°C). It can tolerate light frost but may bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather.
Sunlight: Coriander grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Coriander can adapt to a range of soil types but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
Planting: Sow coriander seeds directly into the garden or containers. The seeds should be planted about ¼ to ½ inch deep and spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. If growing in containers, choose a pot that is at least 8 inches deep.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as coriander can be prone to root rot.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the appropriate dosage.
Harvesting: Coriander leaves can be harvested when they are about 4-6 inches tall. You can snip off the outer leaves or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil level. The leaves are most flavorful before the plant starts flowering.
How long is it before coriander is ready for harvest?
Harvest time will vary depending on how well your plants develop and you should wait until your plants have a good head of leaves.
Only remove a few leaves at a time, this will ensure that the plant has enough resources to continue growing.
If you remove all of the leaves or take too many then it is highly likely that the plant will die.
You should pick the leaves regularly as this will help to stop the stems from becoming too long which would result in a ‘leggy’ and weak plant.
How do you get coriander seed from the plant?
Your plant will eventually flower. If the flowers are pollinated then your plant will develop seeds.
Once the plant has flowered it will not grow any more leaves so you’ll need to grow more plants if you want a steady supply of coriander to eat.
To harvest your own grown coriander seeds you’ll need to wait until the plant stems have turned into a straw like color which means that the seeds have ripened.
You can then either cut the stems with the seeds attached and hang them up to dry or you can remove the seeds from the stems by hand and, leaving them in a tray, let the dry out naturally before storing them in a jar.
FAQs
Can I use coriander seeds from my spice rack to grow coriander plants?
Yes, the seeds commonly found in spice racks can be used to grow coriander plants.
How long does it take for coriander seeds to germinate?
Coriander seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days after planting, depending on the conditions.
Can I plant coriander seeds directly in the ground or should I start them indoors?
Coriander seeds can be planted directly in the ground or in containers outdoors. Starting them indoors is not necessary, but it can give you a head start in colder climates.
How deep should I plant the coriander seeds?
Plant the coriander seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the soil. Lightly cover them with soil and pat it down gently.
How often should I water coriander plants?
Keep the soil consistently moist, watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Can coriander be grown in containers?
Yes, coriander can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 8 inches deep. Ensure proper drainage and use well-draining potting soil.
When is the best time to harvest coriander leaves?
Coriander leaves can be harvested when they reach about 4-6 inches in height. Harvest the outer leaves or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil level.
How can I prevent my coriander plants from bolting?
Coriander tends to bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather. To prevent bolting, provide shade during the hottest part of the day or grow coriander in cooler seasons.
Are there any common pests or diseases that affect coriander plants?
Coriander plants may be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Watch for signs of infestation and take appropriate measures, such as using organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Can I save coriander seeds for future planting?
Yes, coriander plants produce seeds that can be collected and saved for future planting. Allow the plant to flower and produce seed heads, then harvest the dried seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.
Final Words
Coriander seeds from the grocery store will grow.
Growing coriander is easy and the plant is fast growing.
It can be harvested at any time during its growing cycle providing you have not removed all of the leaves.
Coriander has a warm flavor and is ideal for adding to soups, meat dishes and fish.
You can even add it to smoothies if you want to add a kick.
It is also used in many commercial food products such as spices, foods and soft drinks so it is worth having your own plants around to preserve the flavor at its best.
