How to Grow Great Coriander

Coriander has been used as both a natural herbal remedy and a spice for thousands of years. It was used by Greek and Roman doctors. And, it was also used in a Roman vinegar used to preserve meat. Chinese also used coriander as long ago as 207 B.C. Coriander was even thought to make a person immortal. Nowadays, the seeds and leaves, both, are used in recipes and as a natural herbal remedy, as well. It is grown in many kitchen and herb gardens. Here are some tips to help you grow coriander in your home garden.

Coriander has been used in recipes since ancient times. It has pale mauve flowers that will attract bees and other types of pollinators. The flowers will produce seeds that are used to make the spice coriander. The lower leaves are called cilantro. They are rounded with slightly scalloped edges. The herb plant will grow to about 3 feet tall.

Coriander should be planted in soil that is well drained. It prefers full sun. When you sow the seeds in your garden soil, they sound be about half an inch deep. Sow them after all threat of frost has passed in your area. Keep the soil moist. After the seedlings have appeared, they should be thinned to about 4 inches apart. Do not over fertilize this herb. Too much nitrogen will cause them to have less flavor.

Fresh coriander can be harvested as you need to after the plant has become established. The seeds will ripen and scatter quite quickly. As soon as the leaves and flowers have turned brown you should cut the entire plant. Then, the plants should be tied in bundles and hung upside down in a paper bag. This will allow the bag to catch the seeds as they dry and fall from the flowers.

Coriander will go quickly to seed when the hot weather comes around. It is possible to purchase varieties that are slow to bolt, or go to seed. These are recommended for hotter climates. If not, plant coriander in the early spring or fall.

The leaves of coriander, or cilantro, have a taste that is a combination of sage and citrus. The fresh leaves are delicious when minced and added to salsa. They can also be used as a garnish, much like parsley. The coriander seeds can be used whole or ground. They are delicious with in salad dressings, chili sauce, guacamole, marinades, cheese, and eggs. The flavor of the herb is tasty when it is combined with beets, onions, potatoes, clams, oysters, and sausage.

Coriander and cilantro can be used in so many recipes. It is wonderful to be able to go out to your garden and pick the ingredients for your recipes. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow and the coriander/cilantro you need for your home cooked meals.

SOURCE

Editors of Rodale Organic Gardening Magazine and Books. "Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Herbs Volume 5". 2001. Pennsylvania, USA.