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How to Grow Coriander (Cilantro)
See Also: How to Grow Mint
This is my pot of coriander (also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley) looking quite lush at one month after the seeds germinated. I decided to take the photos for this tutorial before I start using the coriander (and in case it dies on me the very next day), so if it continues to grow, I will update the progress photos. If you are someone like me who loves coriander but can’t always finish an entire packet bought from the supermarket, you may like to grow your own pot of coriander. I know I will definitely enjoy plucking the coriander as and when I need them as that they are as fresh as can be, and it’s also extra useful for me when I am taking food photos. If you like growing your own coriander, here is some tips from a noob gardener.
P.S. I don’t know much about gardening. I’m simply growing them (mainly edibles such as mint and spring onions) so that they can come in handy for my cooking and photo shoots. I am writing about my successful gardening projects to share with those who are interested to grow their own foods. Therefore, I apologize in advance for not being able to give any good advice on plant care, except for what type of conditions worked for me.
Seeds
These are the seeds I used. I tried using bottled coriander seeds from the supermarket (for cooking) but the seeds did not germinate. So I think there is a higher rate of success if you use seeds specifically for growing. The brand I used is “known-you” (a Taiwanese brand) but I don’t think the brand matters as long as you are using a seed pack. My coriander smells much stronger than the ones I usually buy, so I am not sure if the brand plays a part. I personally prefer a milder smelling coriander.
Care
I place my pot of coriander at a sunny spot where it gets ample morning sun all the way until noon. I water them once a day, every morning. Fertilize the plant every fortnightly with a tiny amount of organic fertilizer.
Progress Photos (photos from my instagram)
The seeds germinate after about 1-2 weeks. I scatter the seeds about 2-3cm apart. On retrospect, I think my pot of coriander is considered too crowded so you may wish to space them apart further.
10 days (after germination)
17 days
40 days. I have started using them for garnishing food. As you can see, my plant is quite crowded so I recommend putting fewer seeds with wider spacing.
hi, I was asking where can I buy those seeds
Can I know wat type of fertilizer did u use?
Hi thanks for the article. Indeed where can we buy the seeds & the organic fertilizer? Thanks!
Hi Melissa, Christina & Eimi: I bought my known-you seeds many years back (yes I’m using expired seeds kept in dry cabinet and they are still growing well!) at their Singapore office. But I seriously can’t remember where or how I found them! Recently I found a company selling them at http://www.ecocityhydroponics.com/ but yet to try their service. Will update if they are good. I think you can try other brands of coriander seeds as long as they are seed mix (not the type for cooking) – this just happen to be a brand I picked up in the past.
I add about 2 drops of seaweed nutrient to my watering can daily (http://www.horti.com.sg/natpf/natpf.htm can get from NTUC and Giant) making a very diluted seaweed solution which is is supposedly nutritious, natural and makes the plant green. Every two weeks, I add a few pellet of organic fertilizer (it says in packaging that they are ideal for growing edibles) to help it going. But I think either the seaweed or the fertilizer is enough.
Hahah! I planted some cilantro from seeds last week and right now no signs of germination yet :O yours is really lush leh *envy* I also like cilantro as a herb
I think mine was 2 weeks+ to germinate, so wait a bit ;)
really appreciate this tip and it’s motivating…because I’m moving into a our new place and my plan is to have a mini herb corner at balcony to nurture my cooking needs :) keep it up!
Wow! So impressive! They indeed look very lush. Great job!
Wow. this is so cool. i m tempted to grow my own coriander, unfortunately i dun have space in my current place :(
I grow some herbs in the summer in my little apartment in New York City….hanks for these tips…
Am having good news too, my green onion has just germinated, and waiting to see the basil too : ).