Growing coriander in Perth

How to grow coriander in Perth

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is both one of the most loved and loathed herbs. Growing coriander in Perth, WA can be tricky. Also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, this glorious herb is used commonly in Asian dishes, paired with fish, soups, salads and even ground into pesto. Grown for their leaves and seeds, these annual herbs are a wonderful addition to the vegetable garden.

Here’s a bit of trivia for you: coriander is the most widely consumed herb in the world.  Coriander is is used extensively in Middle Eastern, North African, Asian, Indian and southern American cuisine, which means that a large amount of the population enjoys coriander.

If you have ever wondered how to grow coriander in Perth then look no further. A difficult herb to grow there are a few tricks to successfully growing coriander in Perth, Western Australia but get these right and you will be laughing.

When to plant coriander in Perth:
Coriander grows best where the climate is hot and humid.  In most parts of Western Australia, we can provide the heat that coriander loves but not the humidity so growing from autumn to spring is usually the most successful.

During summer, coriander plants change rapidly from leafy to seedy (this is called ‘bolting to seed’) and it’s almost impossible to have a crop on hand for use in the kitchen in the hot months. During autumn, winter and spring, however, coriander stays nicely leafy for a number of months. Probably the easiest way to maintain a good supply of fresh coriander is to plant seeds every few weeks from September right though until the end of autumn.

Types of coriander in Western Australia:
There are several varieties of coriander available in Australia.

• Culantro Perennial Coriander – Originally from the Caribbean, this short-lived perennial herb has a strong coriander flavour.
• Coriander Eureka – Heat tolerant variety which is slow to bolt. Excellent aroma and flavour
• Coriander Slow Bolt – This variety is slow to bolt and best suited for growing fresh leaves.

How to grow coriander at home:

1. Choose a spot to plant coriander that sits mostly in full sun (when growing in winter) or part shade (when growing in summer).
2. Enrich your soil with soil improver and plant fertiliser.  Sow coriander seeds 6mm deep and 20cm apart. Water in well
3. Feed coriander seedlings weekly with liquid plant food and mulch with an organic mulch, such as pea straw.
4. Water coriander regularly. Don’t let the plants dry out as the stress may cause them to bolt (set seed), which will make the leaves tough and almost tasteless.
5. Snip coriander leaves off as you please and this will encourage more to grow back.

How to grow coriander in a pot:
Grow coriander in pots close to the kitchen with your other herbs for easy access.

1. Choose a pot that’s at least 200mm wide and deep and position a sunny or partly shaded spot.
2. Fill pot with quality potting mix. Sow coriander seeds and water in well.
3. Feed coriander seedlings weekly with liquid plant food.
4. Water coriander regularly. Don’t let the plants dry out as the stress may cause them to bolt (set seed), which will make the leaves tough and almost tasteless.
5. Snip coriander leaves off as you please and this will encourage more to grow back.

When to harvest coriander:
Harvest coriander 4 to 6 weeks after planting.

Harvest coriander leaves from the outside of the plant first. Use your fingers to pick the coriander leaves. Always be sure to leave enough leaves growing on the plant, so that your plant will remain healthy.
The coriander seeds can be harvested and eaten at any stage, but wait until they’re brown if you want to store them.

Storing coriander at home:
Coriander loves cool temperatures and should be stored in the fridge. Fill a jar or glass about one third with water and place the stem ends of the herbs into the water in the jar. Cover the coriander leaves loosely with a plastic bag.

Coriander care and common problems:
Coriander suffers from very few pests or diseases. In fact, coriander is often used as a good neighbour in companion planting. This is due to the smell of the plant being unappealing to insects and the rest.

Coriander bolting is probably the biggest issue to navigate. The other problem many people encounter when growing their own coriander is that it transplants very poorly. The roots absolutely hate being disturbed.

Notes:
Coriander seedlings are sold at most garden centres. Aim to buy the smallest healthy seedlings, rather than big ones (which might be pot-bound)

Check out our other how to grow in Perth guides:

• Grow basil in Perth
• Grow peas in Perth
• Grow sunflowers in Perth

Tags: coriander

Category: Vegetable Garden