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Coriander, or cilantro is one of the most frequently used herbs in a typical Indian kitchen. Known for its fresh aroma and versatile uses, it’s easy to often run out of coriander leaves. But if you want to have fresh produce of coriander in your kitchen, growing a plant in your home garden would be the best idea.
Since coriander plants are low-maintenance, you need not be a seasoned gardener to reap a healthy harvest. With the right temperature, soil, and watering, you can get the benefits of making fresh coriander chutney, garnishes for all sorts of dishes, a versatile add-on to salad bowls, smoothies, and whatnot. Before you sow the seeds, here are some handy tips you can adhere to and grow coriander in your kitchen garden.
Right Location
Choosing the right location to plant coriander is important. Since coriander thrives in sunlight, you should pick a spot which gets about 4-6 hours of sunlight every day. Also, before sowing the seeds, ensure that the soil is well-draining and fertile. Maintain a slightly acidic pH and add a layer of compost to improve the fertility and the amount of nutrients in the soil.
Sowing Seeds
After selecting the location and preparing the soil, the next step is to sow the seeds. Before adding them to the soil, note that coriander seeds are actually two seeds in one, so you should split the seeds and separate them into two individual seeds. You can then crush the pods and then sow them 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart in the ground to promote germination.
Watering And Fertilising
To promote a healthy harvest of coriander plants in your home garden, regular watering and fertilising are two non-negotiables. While you are watering the plant on a regular basis, also keep an eye on waterlogging which can make the roots rot. When it comes to fertilisation, even though coriander doesn’t require strong fertilisers, adding a balanced NPK fertiliser will go a long way.
Managing Temperature
Taking into account that coriander is a cool-season herb, it is advisable to maintain the temperature from 10°C to 29°C. In case of extreme summer temperatures, the plant may bolt, i.e. quickly produce flowers and leaves and reduce the yield significantly. So, you can prefer placing the pot in a slight shade in case of strong or direct sunlight.
Harvesting And Storing
Once the coriander plants are 4-6 inches tall, you can snip the outer leaves. This will allow the inner leaves to grow, thus increasing the overall yield. While regular harvesting is important, also note that you should avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant of the plant which can lead to hampered growth. After harvesting, dry the leaves and store them in an air-tight container for later use.
