How to Grow Coriander for Cooking: A Complete UK Guide

Introduction

Whether you call it coriander or cilantro, this flavour-packed herb is a must-have in any kitchen garden. Loved for its aromatic leaves, zesty stems, and warm, citrusy seeds, coriander is a versatile herb used in curries, salsas, stir-fries, and salads around the world. Best of all, it’s easy to grow in the UK, both indoors and outdoors.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow coriander for cooking, including choosing the right variety, sowing and growing techniques, common problems, harvesting tips, and how to use every part of this vibrant herb in your kitchen.

Why Grow Coriander at Home?

🌿 Fresh and flavourful – Far tastier than supermarket bunches
🏡 Grows indoors or outdoors – Perfect for gardens, patios, or windowsills
⏱️ Fast-growing – Ready to harvest in just 3–4 weeks
🧄 Used from root to seed – A multi-purpose herb with minimal waste
💸 Cost-effective – Grow continuous crops for pennies

Understanding Coriander: Leaf or Seed?

Coriander is a dual-purpose plant:

Coriander leaves (also called cilantro) – Used fresh in dishes
Coriander seeds – Dried and ground as a spice
Coriander roots – Common in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking

This guide focuses on leaf coriander for cooking, with tips on harvesting seeds too.

Best Coriander Varieties for Cooking

Variety	Best Use	Notes
Calypso	Leaf production	Slow to bolt, ideal for repeated harvests
Leisure	Culinary use	Strong flavour, slow to flower
Confetti	Decorative leaf	Fern-like foliage, attractive in herb gardens
Santo	Dual-purpose	Good leaf and seed production

Tip: Choose slow-bolting varieties for consistent leaf harvests, especially in summer.

When to Plant Coriander in the UK

Sowing Method	Best Time
Indoors	March to September
Outdoors	Late April to August
Greenhouse	March to October
Successional sowing	Every 3 weeks for continuous supply

Avoid winter sowing outdoors—cold and wet conditions will cause poor germination.

Where to Grow Coriander

Outdoors:

Prefers full sun or partial shade
Needs well-drained, fertile soil
Best grown in beds, borders, or deep containers

Indoors:

Needs a sunny windowsill, ideally south-facing
Likes consistent warmth (15–25°C)
Use deep pots to allow for taproot development

How to Grow Coriander from Seed – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Soil or Compost

Use multipurpose compost or well-draining garden soil
Mix in sand or perlite to improve drainage
Avoid heavy clay or soggy conditions

Step 2: Sow the Seeds

Soak whole coriander seeds in water for 12–24 hours to speed up germination
Gently crush split seeds before sowing (optional for better results)
Sow directly into soil or compost:
- Indoors: in pots at least 15cm deep
- Outdoors: in drills 1cm deep, spaced 20cm apart
Cover lightly with soil and water gently
Keep moist during germination (7–21 days)

Step 3: Thin the Seedlings

Once seedlings are 5cm tall, thin to 15–20cm apart
For container growing, allow 1–2 plants per 15cm pot
Avoid overcrowding to reduce bolting and encourage leaf growth

Caring for Coriander Plants

Watering:

Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry weather
Don’t let the soil dry out—coriander will bolt if stressed
Water early in the day to prevent fungal problems

Feeding:

Feed with a diluted liquid herb or tomato feed every 2–3 weeks
Overfeeding can reduce flavour, so keep it light

Mulching:

Add a light mulch of compost or leaf mould to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Growing Coriander Indoors Year-Round

Coriander grows well indoors with the right care.

Indoor Growing Tips:

Choose a bright spot with at least 5–6 hours of sunlight per day
Turn pots regularly for even growth
Use grow lights in winter to supplement low light
Maintain room temperature above 15°C

Harvesting Coriander for Cooking

When to Harvest:

Start picking leaves when plants are 15–20cm tall
Begin harvesting around 3–4 weeks after sowing
For seeds, allow the plant to flower and set seed in 8–10 weeks

How to Harvest:

Snip outer leaves first, leaving inner leaves to keep growing
Harvest in the morning for peak flavour
Never cut more than one-third of the plant at once

How to Store Fresh Coriander

Short-Term:

Wrap in damp kitchen paper, place in a bag, and refrigerate
Keeps for 3–5 days

Freezing:

Chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil
Or freeze whole sprigs in ziplock bags

Drying (Less Ideal for Leaves):

Leaves lose flavour when dried—best dried for seeds

How to Collect and Use Coriander Seeds

Let some plants flower and form seed heads
When seeds turn brown and dry, cut stems and hang upside-down in a paper bag
Once fully dry, rub seeds off the stems and store in an airtight jar

Culinary Uses for Seeds:

Toast and grind for curries, pickles, marinades
Add whole to stews and spice blends
Use in baking, sausages, and chutneys

Common Problems When Growing Coriander

Issue	Symptoms	Solution
Bolting	Premature flowering, bitter leaves	Sow slow-bolting varieties, provide shade in hot weather
Yellowing leaves	Poor drainage or nutrient deficiency	Check compost moisture and feed lightly
Leggy seedlings	Weak stems, sparse leaves	Increase light or reduce crowding
Aphids	Sticky residue, distorted growth	Spray with water + neem oil or use companion planting
Fungal issues	Leaf spots or mould	Improve airflow, water at base, avoid wetting leaves

Companion Planting with Coriander

Coriander makes a great companion in herb and vegetable gardens.

Good Companions:

Tomatoes – Attracts beneficial insects
Spinach and lettuce – Provides shade, grows well in succession
Chives and basil – Share similar watering needs
Carrots – Attracts beneficial insects when flowering

Avoid Growing With:

Fennel – Can inhibit coriander’s growth
Dill – Competes for similar space and resources

Tips for Success with Coriander

✅ Sow in succession every 3–4 weeks for a constant supply
✅ Choose slow-bolting varieties in hot weather
✅ Harvest leaves regularly to delay flowering
✅ Grow both indoors and outdoors to extend your growing season
✅ Don’t transplant—coriander dislikes root disturbance

How to Grow Coriander from Supermarket Herbs

Supermarket coriander can be tricky but not impossible:

Choose a healthy, organic pot with multiple seedlings
Divide gently into small clumps and replant into deeper pots with fresh compost
Water well and place in a sunny spot
Trim regularly to promote bushier growth

Conclusion

Coriander is a quick-growing, versatile herb that’s easy to grow from seed in both the garden and kitchen. By choosing the right variety, maintaining consistent moisture, and harvesting little and often, you’ll enjoy a continuous supply of fresh coriander leaves for months—and seeds for spice once the plants mature.

Whether you’re garnishing curries, making fresh salsa, or brewing coriander seed tea, growing your own coriander ensures the freshest flavour, year-round.