How to Grow Coriander

How to Grow Coriander: A Simple, Friendly Guide

Learn how to grow coriander at home with easy steps. From planting seeds to harvesting leaves, this guide makes growing coriander simple, even for beginners. You know those little bunches of coriander or cilantro, depending where you live that you buy from the store, and somehow they turn into a slimy mess in your fridge after three days?
Yeah, me too.

One day, I figured, why not just grow it myself? Turns out, growing coriander isn’t rocket science. It’s actually pretty chill.
If you can water a plant without drowning it, you can grow coriander.

Let me walk you through it — real talk, no fancy gardening jargon.

First Things First: Why Grow Coriander ?

Honestly, the store stuff doesn’t even come close to the flavor of fresh-picked coriander.
When you grow your own, you can pick a few leaves whenever you need. No last-minute grocery store runs because you forgot to buy some for your salsa.

How to Grow Coriander: Where Should You Plant It?

Coriander likes the sun, but not too much.
If it’s baking hot outside, it’ll freak out, start growing flowers, and stop giving you good leaves. This is called “bolting,” and trust me, you don’t want it.

Ideal spot?
Somewhere it gets a few hours of morning sun and then chills in the shade later.
A sunny windowsill, a balcony, and even a little piece in your backyard work.. Doesn’t need to be fancy.

If you live somewhere super hot, maybe plant it where it gets morning light but stays cool in the afternoon.

How to Grow Coriander: Picking the Right Seeds

One thing I learned the hard way: coriander seeds are actually two seeds squished together.
If you plant them whole, they take forever to sprout.

Simple trick:

• Lightly crush the seeds not into powder — just crack them a bit.
• Soak them in water overnight if possible.
  Makes a big difference.

Planting

Here’s what I do:

Grab a pot or patch of dirt.

Make tiny little dents in the soil, like 1 cm deep.

Sprinkle the seeds around — no need to be perfect about it.

Cover lightly with soil.

Water gently, like you’re tucking in a sleepy baby plant.

That’s it. No “special technique” needed.

How to Grow Coriander: How to Water Without Killing It

Coriander enjoys water, but drowning it makes it unhappy.

General rule:

• Keep the soil moist, not soggy.
• If the top looks dry, water it.
• If it’s still damp, leave it alone.

Overwatering is honestly the number one killer of coriander. Be lazy about watering, and your plants will actually thank you.

How to Grow Coriander: When Can You Start Harvesting?

You’ll start seeing decent-sized leaves in about 3 to 4 weeks.
You don’t have to wait for it to get huge — you can start snipping when the plant is about 6 inches tall.

Pro tip:
Always snip the outer leaves first. Let the middle keep growing.
And don’t pull the whole plant unless you’re making, like, a coriander-heavy feast.

Stuff That Might Go Wrong

1. It starts flowering too soon
→ It’s too hot. Try planting earlier next season or move it to a cooler spot.

2. Leaves turn yellow
→ You’re overwatering, buddy. Allow the soil to dry a bit before watering again.

3. Pests like aphids show up
→ Blast them off with water. If they keep coming back, you can use a little neem oil.

No need to panic. Coriander is tougher than it looks.

Can You Grow It Indoors?

Heck yes. In fact, if you have crazy weather outside too hot or too cold, indoors might actually be better.

Tips:

• Use a deep enough pot 8 inches or more.
• Put it by a sunny window.
• Rotate it every few days so it grows straight instead of leaning toward the light.

Even if it grows a little slower inside, it’s still super worth it.

Keeping the Harvest Going

Want coriander basically forever? Here’s the lazy secret:
Plant a new batch every two weeks.

That way, as one batch gets old and bolts, you’ve got a fresh new gang of plants coming up.

It’s like having a coriander assembly line. Future-you will be very thankful.

Bonus: Save Your Own Seeds

If you’re feeling a little extra, you can save seeds from your plants once they flower.

How?

• Let the blossoms dry directly on the plant.
• Once they turn brown, rub them between your hands.
• Store the seeds somewhere cool and dry.

Boom. You’re officially self-sufficient.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, growing coriander is not a big deal.
You don’t need a greenhouse or a green thumb or some expensive “grow light setup.”
You just need some seeds, a little dirt, a bit of patience, and the willingness to mess up once or twice.

And if all else fails?
Seeds are cheap. Try again. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about getting your hands a little dirty and maybe, just maybe, making the world’s freshest salsa.

Happy planting….

References

• “Cilantro and Coriander Plant Growing Guide” – University of Minnesota Extension
• “Growing Herbs Indoors” – The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• “Coriander Growing Tips” – Royal Horticultural Society
• “Gardening Know How – Growing Coriander Plants”
• “USDA Plant Profile – Coriandrum sativum”