Growing Coriander: The Herb That Keeps Giving (Even When You Don’t Want It To)
If you’ve ever tried to grow coriander (Coriandrum) in your garden, you’ve probably experienced one of two things: either it bolted to seed faster than you could say fresh salsa, or it decided your garden was the perfect place to set up permanent residence. This annual herb, also known by its botanical name Coriandrum, is one of those plants that marches to the beat of its own drum—and that drum is usually playing a very fast tempo.
What Exactly Is Coriander?
Coriander is an annual forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Think of it as the sprinter of the plant world—it’s here for a good time, not a long time. As a forb, it lacks significant woody tissue and keeps its growing points (perennating buds) right at or below ground level, making it perfectly adapted for its quick-living lifestyle.
Where Does Coriander Call Home?
Originally from the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia, coriander has become quite the world traveler. In North America, it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized widely. You’ll find it growing (sometimes whether you planted it or not) across an impressive range of locations including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Puerto Rico. It’s also established itself in Canadian provinces like Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Should You Grow Coriander?
The short answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for. Coriander offers some genuine benefits to gardeners, but it’s worth considering native alternatives that might serve your local ecosystem even better.
The Case for Growing Coriander
- Pollinator magnet: Those delicate white or pale pink umbrella-shaped flower clusters (called umbels) are like a dinner bell for beneficial insects, attracting bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps
- Dual-purpose herb: You get fresh leaves (cilantro) early in the season and aromatic seeds (coriander) later
- Fast-growing: Perfect for impatient gardeners who want quick results
- Aesthetic appeal: The feathery, delicate foliage adds texture to herb and vegetable gardens
Consider Native Alternatives
Since coriander isn’t native to North America, you might want to consider native plants that offer similar benefits to local wildlife. Native wildflowers and herbs in the carrot family (Apiaceae) can provide similar pollinator benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Where Does Coriander Fit in Your Garden?
Coriander works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Herb gardens: A classic choice for culinary herb collections
- Vegetable gardens: Makes an excellent companion plant
- Cottage gardens: Adds that casual, self-seeding charm
- Pollinator gardens: Though not native, it does attract beneficial insects
Growing Conditions and Care
Coriander is surprisingly particular for such a common herb. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate and Hardiness
As an annual, coriander can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2-11, though it performs best in cooler weather. It’s not about surviving winter—it’s about not bolting in the heat of summer.
Light and Soil Requirements
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (some afternoon shade in hot climates is actually beneficial)
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential—coriander hates wet feet
- pH: Adaptable to various soil pH levels
Planting and Care Tips
Growing coriander successfully is all about timing and understanding its quirky nature:
Planting
- Direct sow: Coriander doesn’t like transplanting, so sow seeds directly in the garden
- Timing: Plant in early spring for leaf harvest, or late summer for fall harvest
- Succession planting: Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
- Spacing: Space seeds about 6 inches apart
Ongoing Care
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Harvesting: Cut leaves regularly to delay flowering, or let it flower if you want seeds
- Cool weather friend: Plant early in spring or late summer to avoid hot weather bolting
The Bottom Line
Coriander is one of those plants that can be both a blessing and a lesson in plant behavior. While it offers genuine benefits—attracting pollinators, providing fresh herbs, and adding delicate beauty to gardens—its non-native status means it won’t support local wildlife as effectively as native alternatives might.
If you decide to grow coriander, embrace its fast-paced lifestyle and plan accordingly. And if you’re looking to create habitat for local wildlife, consider exploring native herbs and wildflowers that can offer similar aesthetic appeal while supporting your local ecosystem. Either way, you’ll end up with a garden that’s both beautiful and functional—just maybe with a few surprise coriander seedlings popping up where you least expect them.
