How to Grow Coriander (Dhania) at Home: Temperature and Care

Coriander, also called dhania or cilantro, goes into almost every Indian dish, and store-bought bunches wilt in a couple of days. Growing it at home gives you fresh leaves whenever you need them.

If you cook Indian food, you already know how much difference fresh coriander makes. A spoonful of chopped leaves over dal, a bowl of green chutney, or a handful kneaded into paratha dough lifts the whole dish. Growing a pot or two means you can snip just what you need instead of buying a big bunch that turns slimy in the fridge.

Coriander is a cool-season herb. The main thing to understand is temperature: it grows well in mild weather and quickly flowers and goes to seed when it gets hot. Get the season right and it is one of the easiest herbs to grow.

At a glance

Best temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Germination: 7-14 days at 55-70°F (13-21°C)
Sunlight: 4-6 hours, some afternoon shade in warm weather
First harvest: 3-4 weeks for leaves, 3-4 months for coriander seeds
Pot: at least 8-10 inch (20-25 cm) deep, because of the long taproot

Benefits of coriander leaves and seeds

Coriander leaves are a good source of vitamin K and also contain vitamin C and vitamin A, along with small amounts of minerals such as potassium. Because they are eaten fresh or added at the end of cooking, you get the most out of them. The leaves have very few calories, so they are an easy way to add flavour without adding fat or salt.

The seeds (dhania) are a spice in their own right. Ground coriander is the base of many Indian masalas, and the whole seeds go into tempering, pickles and even tea. In traditional kitchens coriander water is a common drink after heavy meals, and many families believe it helps digestion. That is traditional use rather than medical advice, but it shows how much coriander is part of everyday life.

Where coriander grows: countries, weather and season

Coriander is believed to be native to the region stretching from southern Europe and North Africa to south-western Asia, and people have used it for thousands of years. Today it is grown and eaten almost everywhere. India is among the largest producers and consumers of coriander in the world, with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat known for big crops. In Mexico and the rest of Latin America it is called cilantro and goes into salsa, guacamole and tacos, while in Thailand, Vietnam and China the leaves, stems and even the roots are used in soups, curries and salads. In the Middle East and North Africa it turns up in everything from falafel to chermoula.

As for weather, coriander likes mild, cool conditions. In most of India it is a winter, or rabi, crop sown from October to November and harvested through the cooler months, because heat quickly sends it to flower. In cooler countries like the UK and the northern US it is grown in spring and autumn, and in the middle of summer it flowers fast. In hill regions with mild summers it can be grown for a much longer season.

Best weather and temperature for coriander

Coriander likes cool, mild weather. Warm days and cool nights give the most leaves.

Ideal: 50-75°F (10-24°C).
Too hot: above about 80°F (27°C), coriander bolts, which means it sends up a flower stalk, the leaves become thin and feathery, and the plant is soon finished.
Too cold: it handles light frost, but a hard freeze damages it. Seeds germinate slowly when the soil is cold.
Long summer days also push it to flower, so in warm areas grow it in a spot with afternoon shade.

When to sow coriander

India (plains): October to February. In cooler hill regions it can grow through summer too.
Cooler climates (US, UK, Europe): early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, and again in autumn about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Indoors: on a bright windowsill all year, away from hot afternoon glass.
Sow a small batch every 2-3 weeks so you always have fresh leaves.

How to grow coriander in pots

Coriander is simple to grow if you remember two things: it does not like its roots disturbed, and it wants steady moisture. So skip the seedling trays, choose your pot properly and sow right where the plants will stay.

Choose a pot 8-10 inch (20-25 cm) deep with drainage holes. Coriander has a taproot and does not like being transplanted, so sow directly in the final pot.
Fill with potting mix and a little compost.
Lightly crush the dhania seeds to split each into two halves, then soak them in water overnight. This speeds up germination.
Scatter the seeds, cover with 1/4-1/2 inch (0.6-1.2 cm) of soil and press gently.
Keep the soil evenly moist. Seedlings appear in 1-2 weeks.
Thin the seedlings to 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) apart once they are 2 inches tall. Use the thinnings in cooking.

Caring for coriander

Water: keep soil lightly moist, never soggy. Water more often in warm weather.
Light: 4-6 hours of sun. Give afternoon shade when the weather is warm.
Feeding: coriander is a light feeder. A diluted liquid plant food or a handful of compost every 2-3 weeks is enough.
Mulch: a thin layer of dry leaves keeps the soil cool and moist.

Harvesting coriander

The best part of growing your own coriander is that you can cut it as and when you need it. A little patience at the start, and the plant keeps giving.

Start picking when plants are 6 inches (15 cm) tall, about 3-4 weeks after sowing.
Cut the outer stems first and take no more than one third of the plant at a time, so it keeps growing.
When the plant flowers, let it. The flowers attract helpful insects and the seeds become coriander seeds (dhania) after 3-4 months. Dry them and store in a jar.

Common problems

Early flowering: caused by heat, drought or crowded roots. Sow in the right season, give shade and keep soil moist.
Yellow leaves: usually too much water or poor drainage.
Aphids: wash off with a strong spray of water or spray neem oil diluted with water.
Seedlings falling over: damping off from wet soil and crowding. Thin seedlings and water less.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my coriander flower so fast?

Heat is the main reason. Above about 80°F (27°C), or with long hot days or dry soil, coriander bolts. Sow in cool weather and give afternoon shade.

How long does coriander take to grow?

Seeds germinate in 7-14 days, and you can harvest leaves in 3-4 weeks. Coriander seeds are ready in about 3-4 months.

Can I grow coriander from store-bought dhania seeds?

Yes. Whole dried coriander seeds from the kitchen often sprout. Crush them lightly and soak overnight for best results.

New to growing food at home? Read our kitchen garden guide for beginners and more side dish recipes on vegflavors.