Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
Small distinctive leaves sprinkled over soups and noodles, easy from seed.
Care and placement
A cool-season annual that bolts above about 24 °C; direct-sow (taproot), succession-sow every 2–3 weeks, shade from afternoon sun; use a pot 20–25 cm deep.
Draft mature dimensions
Maximum height (cm): 40 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 20 cm
Things to consider
ASPCA lists cilantro as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Wash before eating.
How to grow and care for it
Planting and pot
Direct-sow where it will grow since the taproot dislikes transplanting; use a pot 20–25 cm deep with excellent drainage. Seed germinates in 7–21 days at 15–20 °C; it favours cool seasons; shade it in hot weather.
Light
Sun to part shade; afternoon shade delays bolting by 1–2 weeks.
Watering
Keep evenly moist, about 25 mm a week, not soggy; overwatering causes root rot and fungus; yellow leaves usually mean too much water.
Feeding
Pots need extra nitrogen since nutrients run short within weeks; feed lightly with balanced or organic fertilizer.
Pruning
Snip leaves often to delay bolting; leaves of bolted plants tend to taste bitter.
Propagation
Sow seed in succession every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply; letting it bolt gives dry seed (coriander) and it self-sows for next season.
Pests and common problems
Aphids make leaves pale and stippled: rinse off or use insecticidal soap. Early bolting in heat is the main issue. Root rot if overwatered.
For a bigger harvest
For plenty of leaves: sow in the cool season, succession-sow, shade from afternoon sun, water evenly and snip often; seed to harvest takes about 4–6 weeks.