10 Best Ways to Grow Coriander: A Spice with Multiple Uses

You may be familiar with coriander as a spice that’s used in many Indian dishes. But did you know that it is also the same plant from which we get cilantro? In addition to being used as a condiment or herb, coriander seeds are also commonly used in various cuisines and home food traditions around the world. Coriander is grown for its distinctively flavored and fragrant seeds, which are also known as Coriandrum sativum L. or cilantro seed. It is not difficult to grow this versatile little herb at home. With the right techniques and location, your coriander plants can produce new shoots and leaves throughout most of the year. Let’s take a look at 10 ways you can grow more coriander in your garden.

Soil and Location

Before you begin growing coriander, you need to make sure your growing environment is suitable. This herb is a warm weather plant that prefers a sunny but well-shaded area. A warm, humid environment is best for growing coriander, but it can also tolerate some partial shade. The soil where you plant your coriander should be rich in organic matter. Avoid planting your coriander in areas with low-lying water. When it comes to the type of soil, a sandy loam is best, but anything that is moist and well-drained will do just fine. A pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for growing coriander. Growing coriander

How to Grow Coriander?

The process of growing coriander from seed is simple and straightforward. You will first select a suitable variety of coriander seeds. There are many varieties of coriander seeds available in the market. Some of the most popular ones are Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, and Mexican coriander. Mexican coriander seeds are the most commonly used in the United States and Canada. The best time to sow coriander seeds is when the soil is warm and the weather is sunny. You can sow the seeds directly in the ground or in containers. Coriander prefers a loose, sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter or compost added to it. The correct planting depth for coriander seeds is 1/3 inch (1 cm) below the soil surface. Make sure to water the seeds well after planting.

Grow from Seed

If you are growing coriander from seed, you will need to start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Coriander seeds are slow to germinate, taking up to a couple of weeks. The best way to speed up germination is to use a warm and humid environment. You can use a seedling heat mat or a humidity dome to help provide the right environment for growing coriander seeds. Once the seeds begin to sprout, make sure to transplant them into pots or trays with plenty of room for the roots to grow. Coriander seeds are sensitive to frost. If you are growing coriander from seeds and your area is experiencing below-freezing temperatures, you will need to protect the young plants from frost damage. You can do this by covering the plants in a protective covering or by moving them indoors until the danger of frost has passed.

Grow from a Cutting

If you want to grow coriander from a cutting, choose a stem that has just flowered and is on its way to producing new roots. The best timings for taking a cutting are right after the coriander flowers or when the leaves start to turn yellow. Cut the stem while leaving a portion of the leaves adjacent to the stem intact. Next, dip the lower end of the stem in water for a couple of hours. Transfer the stem to a pot filled with soil. Water the soil and keep the stem in a warm and humid environment until the roots start to grow. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transfer the stem to a pot filled with soil and keep it in a warm and humid environment until it starts to grow leaves.

Grow from a Root Cutting

If you want to grow coriander from a root cutting, take a piece of the root of a mature plant. Make sure that the root is healthy and has plenty of new growth sprouting from it. Next, make a diagonal cut on the root cutting and place it in a pot filled with soil. Make sure there is enough room for the roots to grow. Keep the rooting cutting in a warm and humid environment until the roots start to grow. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transfer the cutting to a pot filled with soil.

From Leafy Shoots

If you want to grow coriander from leafy shoots, choose a shoot that is small enough to fit in the soil. Make a diagonal cut on the shoot and place it in a pot filled with soil. Make sure the soil is moist and keep the pot in a warm and humid environment until the roots grow. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, transfer the shoot to a pot filled with soil. Keep the pot in a warm and humid environment until the shoots start to grow leaves.

Conclusion

Growing coriander seeds at home is an excellent way to add this spice to your daily diet. This herb is not only a delicious addition to many cuisines, but it is also packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. Growing coriander is easy and straightforward. You can start growing this herb indoors or outdoors depending on the climate where you live. With the right techniques and care, your coriander plants can grow and produce new shoots and leaves throughout most of the year.

This article is provided by  https://www.goodgardn.co.uk/blogs/growing-coriander