Corianders in Ovingham

Coriandrum sativum

Coriander
Coriander · Coriandrum sativum

Fast-growing annual herb for leaves and seed. In the UK, sow little and often for a steady supply of foliage, and grow in a cool, sunny spot with moist, free-draining soil to slow bolting.

50 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Ovingham · last frost ≈ 8 May

Sow March to October, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
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HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Coriander

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    8 Mar to 8 Oct every 2 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly around 8th March - 8th October on the surface of fine, moist seedbed or compost, then cover with a light dusting of soil. Sow a fresh batch every 14 days for a longer pick, and keep the ground evenly moist while they germinate.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    3 Jul to 11 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 3rd July, thin them to the strongest plants so each one has room to make a good clump of leaves. If you prefer, lift extras carefully and move them to another patch at once.

  3. 03

    Keep Plants Tidy

    11 Jul to 21 Sept

    From 11th July, remove any flower buds as soon as they appear and harvest leaves often to keep plants leafy for longer. Water the soil, not the foliage, and give shade from strong midday sun if the plants start to race up to flower.

  4. 04

    Harvest Leaves

    23 Jul to 17 Oct

    Start picking from 23rd July by snipping outer stems or taking whole small plants at the base. Keep harvesting little and often until 17th October, because regular cutting helps delay bolting and keeps fresh leaves coming.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Coriander.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Coriander to consider

Calypso

A slow-bolting coriander with useful leaf production in UK summers.

Santo

A compact, slow-to-bolt type that gives plenty of foliage for pots or small beds.

Leisure

A reliable leaf coriander that copes well with repeated cutting.

Confetti

Finely cut foliage with a milder flavour and strong leaf production.

Coriander guides by town

See how Coriander timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.