Coriandrum sativum
HEIGHT x WIDTH: 30cm x 30cm.
DISTANCE APART: 30cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Start harvesting within a few weeks of planting and when you need the leaves for your cooking. Take the outside leaves first because the new leaves grow from the middle.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes, coriander is perfect for in pots but don’t let the soil dry out. Fill a pot that is 30cm deep with premium potting mix, plant the seedlings and water them well. Make sure that the container gets plenty of sunlight.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes, choose a spot that gets 6 hours of sun. Mix lots of compost or animal manure into the soil, plant the seedlings and water well. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Coriander is best buddies with chervil and spinach but also loves to be planted near beans and peas.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Water every day and apply a liquid fertiliser every fortnight.
- This is a ‘slow bolt’ variety of coriander which will mean that it will last longer before it bolts to seed. But, to help it along, never let the soil dry out and harvest it often.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.