Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a popular herb used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It has a distinct, pungent flavor that adds a fresh, citrusy taste to dishes. If you love cooking with coriander and want to have a constant supply of it, then planting and growing your own at home might be a good option for you.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of planting and growing coriander at home. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right type of coriander seeds to the best time to plant them, as well as how to care for and harvest your coriander plants.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Type of Coriander Seeds
The first step in planting coriander is to choose the right type of seeds. There are two main types of coriander seeds: the seed form, which is used for planting, and the ground form, which is used for cooking.
If you want to plant coriander, it’s important to choose the seed form. These seeds are typically larger and have a rough, papery outer layer. They’re available at most garden centers and online retailers.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Before planting your coriander seeds, it’s important to prepare the soil. Coriander prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil doesn’t meet these requirements, you can add compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content.
It’s also a good idea to mix in a slow-release fertiliser at this stage. Coriander is a heavy feeder and will benefit from a fertiliser that provides a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Step 3: Planting the Seeds
Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your coriander seeds. The best time to plant coriander seeds is in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
To plant the seeds, create shallow rows in your garden bed or container and place the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and about 1 inch apart. Water the seeds thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should take about 7-14 days.
Step 4: Caring for Your Coriander Plants
After your coriander seeds have germinated, it’s important to care for the plants properly to ensure they grow to be healthy and productive. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Water regularly: Coriander plants need to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water them deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is particularly hot or dry.
- Fertilise regularly: As mentioned earlier, coriander is a heavy feeder and will benefit from regular fertilisation. Use a balanced fertiliser every few weeks to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
- Protect from pests: Coriander plants can be prone to attack by aphids and other insects. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Thin out seedlings: If you planted your coriander seeds too closely together, you may need to thin out the seedlings to give the plants room to grow. Simply snip off any excess seedlings with scissors, leaving only the strongest plants to continue growing.
Step 5: Harvesting Your Coriander
When your coriander plants are about 6-8 inches tall, they’ll be ready to harvest.
To harvest your coriander, cut the stems about 1 inch above the base of the plant, being sure to leave enough stem and leaves to allow the plant to continue growing. You can either cut the entire plant or just the leaves, depending on your preference.
If you’re only harvesting the leaves, be sure to leave a few leaves on the plant so it can continue growing. When the plant starts to bolt, or produce flowers and seeds, the leaves will become bitter and lose their flavor. At this point, it’s best to remove the entire plant and start a new one.
You can use your fresh coriander in a variety of dishes, including salads, sauces, marinades, and soups. It’s also a great garnish for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
Conclusion:
Planting and growing your own coriander at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to have a constant supply of this fragrant herb. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can successfully plant and care for your coriander plants and enjoy the fresh, citrusy flavor of this popular herb in your cooking.