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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.
Extremely helpful advice. I am planning to start growing small vegetables and your article and advice has helped my very much. Thank you.
Hi there! Where did you get the seeds, soil, pot and plant stand?
I’m new to this and would really appreciate any advice! Thanks.
Seeds – you can check out the comments for info. For soil, pot, plant stand – you can get from any nursery in Singapore. I got mine from Far East Flora near Tanah Merah …
Hey! nice to see you grew coriander and so bountiful too! I managed to get 2 seeds to sprout once and both grew that very cute first true leave. Then both died because the sun was too hot. Since then, I have no luck with coriander. :( I’ve tried so many times too. T_T
aww sorry to hear that. I think the success really depends on the type of sun and shade you are getting.
Thank you for sharing! May I know how do you fertilise? Just sprinkle some on top of the soil?
Nowadays I spray seaweed water (sold at supermarkets, just dilute with water). For fertilizer I sprinkle a very tiny (not too much) amount over the soil.
ya. I’m trying also with no success.. 2nd time trying. what did u do different? only get an hour maybe of sun.