Coriander
Coriandrum sativum • Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae)
🌱 Seed Category
Herb and Spice
🌍 Origin Region
Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia
📅 Days to Maturity
45-50 days for leaf harvest (Cilantro); 90-110 days for seed harvest (Coriander).
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-11 as an annual; can survive light frosts but dies in extreme heat or hard freezes.
About This Seed
Small, round to oval seeds, roughly 3-5mm in diameter, straw-colored to light brown with longitudinal ridges. The seeds are actually dried fruits (schizocarps) containing two embryos. The plant grows as an annual herb with feathery lower leaves (cilantro) and airy, umbrella-shaped white or light pink flower umbels.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Cool season herb; plant in early Spring and late Summer/early Fall. Avoid mid-summer heat to prevent bolting.
Germination
Takes 7-21 days to germinate at 60-70°F (15-21°C). Seeds may be gently crushed or soaked for 24 hours to improve germination rates. Requires darkness to germinate.
Planting Instructions
Sow 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spaced 1-2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers afternoon shade in hotter climates. Needs consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy roots.
Companion Plants
Grows well with Dill, Basil, and Tansy. Avoid planting near Fennel, as they can cross-pollinate and stunt growth.
Special Characteristics
Dual-purpose plant (leaf/seed); attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps; high essential oil content; known to aid digestion.