Coriander, which is scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is one of the most commonly grown leafy herbs, not only commercially but by kitchen gardeners as well. It is always guaranteed to have a position among the garnishing herbs used to decorate Subcontinental dishes.

It provides a signature aroma when cooked in dishes. Most of the condiments and chutneys prepared in this region are almost incomplete without the addition of fresh coriander leaves.

Not only is coriander one of the easiest herbs to grow at home, it doesn’t require much space. As mentioned in our article two months ago on sowing coriander seeds, one can easily grow it in containers of almost any size and even around other plants in a pot.

This makes coriander a very handy makeshift arrangement for any empty, uncovered land spaces as it also has smaller roots compared to other herbs and vegetables. Today, we will focus on the coriander post-germination, the growth requirements and, finally, the safety and precaution needed to ensure a healthy continuous stream of coriander.

The coriander is an essential herb in desi cooking and easy to grow too

Depending upon the seed and soil quality, temperature and timing of sowing the seeds, coriander is likely to germinate in between one to three weeks. Since this herb is not renowned for transplantation during its lifecycle, I recommend sowing the seeds at a permanent spot for the plant.

Generally, it is recommended growing a coriander seedling with a gap of four to six inches in between each plant. This ensures proper aeration and space for the herb to develop stronger plants and larger leaves. However, I do not prefer ideal guidelines when it comes to coriander.

I prefer sowing six to eight seeds at a single spot. Then, I keep a distance of around four inches in between such spots. This provides for visually beautiful clusters of coriander plants growing within a small marked area.

Many gardeners suggest growing coriander in pots and containers which provide the plant with a depth of at least eight inches. However, I would prefer growing it in containers which occupy less space, in small, four-inch-sized pots.

I also purchase used plastic crates at throwaway prices from the fruit-sellers, line and cover the insides with a layer of plastic sheet with a few drainage holes, and then fill half to three-fourth of them with the soil-potting mix to grow coriander. You can also use thermocol boxes of convenient sizes and keep them in balcony windows or in gardening compartments.

As soon as the true leaves — or the coriander leaves that we are used to eating — start to grow, the leafy plant should be provided with a regular, fortnightly supply of nitrogen-based fertiliser. Commonly accessible and widely available decomposed chicken manure, decomposed cow manure, coffee ground and used tea-leaves can be provided to the plant in this regard.

Avoid generous watering after the growth of the true leaves. The plant should receive enough water so its soil surface remains moist throughout, till the next watering schedule. Excessive watering can lead to detrimental outcomes for the plant, especially unwanted root-rot caused by accumulation of more water than required.

The coriander plant should be provided with daily direct winter sunlight of at least four to five hours. This can be decreased or complemented with shade during summers, because the plant is likely to bolt in summer’s sunlight. Usually when under stress, the coriander plant is likely to bolt. There are different reasons for a coriander plant bolting, which includes but are not limited to overwatering, diminished watering, excessive heat and temperature, transplantation shock, and excessive sunlight exposure.

Early on, before the growth of the true leaves, the plant can be attacked by snails and slugs. It’s important thus to check and care for the plant, pot and leaves during this phase. Aphids, mealy-bugs and leaf-miners are some of the common pests that may attack the coriander plant during the maturity stage of the plant.

Along with frequent harvesting, organic pesticides may be sprayed fortnightly not only to deflect such attacks but also to ensure larger-sized coriander plants and increased stems and leaves growth.

Finally, it’s important to apply a green net as a cover to help save the enticing plant leaves from the birds that would seek this leafy green herb for a feast of their own!

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 17th, 2023