Coriander (known as “dhaniya” in Hindi) is a beautiful spice for garnishing food. Its unique aroma adds to the flavor of the recipe. It may not be possible to buy coriander every day. So why not grow coriander at home?
Just pluck fresh leaves from your home garden and garnish your dish. Easy!
Do you know there are surprising health benefits of coriander?
Choosing the Variety
First, know why you wish to grow coriander – for its seeds or for its leaves? Choose a variety accordingly.
A seed variety will produce better seeds, but will stop producing leaves at a certain stage. If you want leaves, you must pick them before the leaf production. So, this knowledge is important.
You can check with your local gardener or the nearest nursery farm regarding the variety.
Step 1: Sow Coriander Seeds
Coriander loves the sun. However, it may do with a little shade when the day is too hot. Remember, plants will seed quickly if they are stressed by heat. So, if you are growing coriander for leaves, avoid putting it in an extremely hot weather. Give it a little shade.
Sowing season is late March to early September.
For continuous supply of leaves the whole summer, sow only a small amount in a 3-week interval.
Coriander produces the best quality leaves in late spring and in autumn.
Sow seeds directly instead of transplanting, which may cause disturbance to the plant and it may seed quickly.
Fertile, well-drained soil is required. Add well-rotten manure and garden compost, if needed. Make the soil even by removing stones and lumps.
Sow seeds in a spacing of 20 cm between rows and plants. Cover seeds and water them.
Do you know you can grow coriander in trays and pots too? Make sure the pots are 25 cm deep atleast because coriander plant has deep tap roots.
Step 2: Care for Coriander Plants
Coriander seeds germinate about 3 weeks of sowing. Thinning of young plants is important to let them grow fully.
Ensure that the soil is always moist.
Please pluck flowers if any to let the plant focus on growing leaves.
It is a good idea to sow seeds again after 3 weeks to maintain a constant supply of fresh coriander for your kitchen.
If your soil is rich, fertilizers are not needed.
Step 3: Harvesting Coriander
Harvest leaves as soon as the plant attains robust and big size. You can use both leaves and stalks of coriander.
If you want seeds, you must pluck flowers. Wait till they dry off. Then, cut stems and put coriander heads in a paper bag. The stems must stick out. Tie the bag and hang it upside down in a dry and cool place.
After 3 weeks, shake the bag. You will find dry seeds dropping off from its flowers.
Do you know coriander is a popular herb in Asian curries, Thai dishes, and Chinese food?
For commercial coriander cultivation, refer to the complete guide to coriander farming.
