Coriander

coriandrum sativum

Also known as: ["cilantro","Chinese parsley"]

Family: Apiaceae Genus: Coriandrum Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

An annual herb in the Apiaceae family, widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Coriandrum
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Edible Gardeners Culinary Herb
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soil but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed for harvest; thin seedlings when they reach 2 inches tall.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light (harvesting and thinning only).
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); prefers cooler temperatures; reduce direct sun in hot climates to prevent bolting.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; move indoors or provide shade during extreme heat.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), bolting (heat stress), or sparse growth (nutrient deficiency).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid placing near heat sources.

Watering

every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in cooler months

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; adjust based on weather and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, fertile soil with neutral pH

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil; test pH before planting.

Temperature

60–70°F (15–21°C) for optimal growth; tolerates cooler temperatures but bolts in heat above 75°F (24°C).

Use shade cloth in summer; mulch to regulate soil temperature; monitor microclimates.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer in early morning; dilute to half strength; stop fertilizing when plants begin to flower.

Propagation

Methods

Seeds (direct sowing or indoor starting); stem cuttings are not viable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
  2. Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart.
  3. Water gently.

Best Time: Early spring or fall for cooler climates; avoid midsummer heat.

Environment

Warm (65–70°F), bright indirect light, and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or garden soil.

Hormone

Not required for seeds.

Timeline

Germination in 7–14 days; harvest in 3–4 weeks for leaves, 50–60 days for seeds.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, labels, watering can, and garden trowel.

Quick Tips

Sow seeds in succession for continuous harvest; use fresh seeds for best germination.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip leaves above the lowest set of leaves; pull entire plants for seed harvest.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; focus on harvesting leaves and thinning overcrowded seedlings.

Tools

Sharp scissors or pruners, gloves.

Checklist

Harvest in the morning; avoid cutting stems; discard flowering plants if leaf production is desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Not applicable; sow seeds in spring or fall.

Pot Size

Not applicable.

Method

Not applicable; plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.

Suggestions

Not typically repotted; grows as an annual; direct sow in garden or larger containers.

Checklist

Select a sunny spot; prepare soil with compost; sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch is dry; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; aim for 1 inch of water per week; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing delicate seedlings.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water lightly and frequently during germination and early growth; reduce frequency as plants mature; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Bolting (premature flowering), yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; can be fatal in prolonged frost.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move containers indoors; use row covers for garden plants.

Hot Stress

Triggers bolting, reduces leaf production, and shortens harvest period.

Solution: Provide shade, increase watering, and harvest leaves before plant flowers.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; water before fertilizing; apply evenly around base.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent bolting.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Coriandrum sativum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Coriandrum sativum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced growth and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Coriandrum sativum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Coriandrum sativum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Coriandrum sativum is not considered toxic to cats. It is safe for consumption in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Coriander is safe for cats in small amounts. Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Coriandrum sativum is not considered toxic to dogs. It is safe for consumption in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Coriander is safe for dogs in small amounts. Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as coriander or cilantro, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is widely consumed as a culinary herb and spice.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Coriander is safe for human consumption in typical culinary amounts. However, individuals with allergies should exercise caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is coriander the same as cilantro?

A: Yes, coriander refers to the entire plant, while cilantro specifically refers to the leaves.

Q: Can coriander be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and proper care.

Q: How do I harvest coriander seeds?

A: Allow the plant to flower and produce seeds, then harvest when the seeds turn brown and dry.

Quick Reference
Family: Apiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 3–5 days during active
Suitable For: ["beginners","edible gardeners","culinary herb"]
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