Coriandrum sativum - Coriander - British Grown Culinary Herb

Fresh, aromatic leaves and edible seeds make Coriander one of the most versatile herbs for the kitchen garden. Fast growing and easy to cultivate, it produces vibrant green foliage that can be harvested regularly for salads, curries, stir-fries, and sauces. If allowed to flower, the delicate white blooms attract pollinating insects before developing into the coriander seeds used in cooking.

Coriander, sometimes known as Cilantro, is a popular culinary herb grown for both its leaves and seeds. Quick to establish and productive throughout the growing season, it is ideal for raised beds, herb gardens, vegetable plots, and containers. Successional sowing every few weeks will provide a steady harvest of fresh leaves from spring through autumn.

Annual Herb
Edible, Culinary Herb, Fast Growing, Pollinator Friendly

Flowers: June to August
Foliage: April to October

Scientific Name
Coriandrum sativum (cultivated coriander)

Common Name
Coriander
Chinese Parsley
Cilantro

Origin
Native to southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It has been cultivated for culinary use for thousands of years and remains one of the world’s most widely used herbs.

Pruning Tips
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. Remove flower stems if you wish to extend leaf production, although allowing some plants to flower will provide seeds for culinary use and support pollinators.

Wildlife Value
The delicate flowers are highly attractive to hoverflies, parasitic wasps, bees, and other beneficial insects, making coriander a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly vegetable gardens.

Positioning
Prefers full sun or light partial shade. In warmer periods, some afternoon shade can help reduce premature flowering. Ideal for herb gardens, vegetable beds, raised planters, and containers.

Water
Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry weather. Inconsistent watering can encourage plants to bolt and flower prematurely.

Soil
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with garden compost or organic matter.

Food
Generally requires very little feeding. A soil enriched with compost before planting will usually provide all the nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Pet-safe
Generally regarded as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Sprouts Top Tips
Sow small batches every two to three weeks throughout the growing season rather than planting everything at once. This provides a continuous supply of fresh leaves and helps avoid having all plants flower at the same time.

Did You Know?
Coriander is one of the oldest known cultivated herbs, with evidence of its use dating back over 3,000 years. The leaves and seeds have distinctly different flavours and are often treated as separate ingredients in cooking.