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Vietnamese coriander

Persicaria odorata

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Vietnamese coriander · Persicaria odorata

Slim, slightly peppery leaves that like moisture and spread easily.

Care and placement

Prefers part shade and moist humus-rich soil (even shallow water); spreads fast so use pots; propagated by cuttings; harvest every 12–15 days.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 30 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

PFAF notes young leaves are eaten raw or cooked as a flavouring with a hot, coriander-like taste. Identify the species correctly; eat moderate amounts and wash well.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in part shade in moist, humus-rich soil with mulch; use a pot or tub to limit spread. Takes full sun if kept moist; shade a little in hot regions.

  2. Light

    Best in part shade; tolerates full sun if well watered; shade in hot regions keeps foliage tender.

  3. Watering

    Needs constant moisture and tolerates shallow water; never let it dry. (PFAF: prefers moist or wet soil.)

  4. Feeding

    Humus-rich soil and mulch are enough; well-rotted compost is optional. (The sources checked give no specific schedule.)

  5. Pruning

    Harvest tips regularly (never more than a third at once) to promote branching; trim back when it spreads too far.

  6. Propagation

    Propagated mainly by cuttings: take 10–15 cm pieces from non-flowering shoots (4–6 nodes) and root in water (5–10 days) or moist soil; set obliquely 5–6 cm apart in light, well-manured beds.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Generally problem-free; watch for aphids and, in dry indoor air, red spider mites. Wilts if short of water.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For plenty of leaves: constantly moist soil, light shade, regular tip harvest and renewing old plants from cuttings. The first harvest comes at nearly 2 months of age.