Coriandrum sativum

RHS Plant Profile
coriander

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coriander RHS 2002
coriander RHS

Other common names

Chinese parsley, cilantro

Synonyms

Coriandrum sativum 'Cilantro'

Annual Biennial Herbs - Culinary
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An annual with aromatic, pinnate to 3-pinnate leaves, the upper ones with linear segments, and compound umbels of small white or purplish flowers, followed by aromatic fruits used in cooking

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage Fruit
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Coriandrum are upright annuals with pinnately divided, aromatic foliage and compound umbels of small white or purplish flowers in summer and early autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun where seeds are to be gathered. For leaf production partial shade is more productive. Leaves can be picked as required and seeds gathered when ripe. Follow coriander cultivation for more advice.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in modules or open ground. Self-seeding is common. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews