Coriander (Seed)

The same plant as cilantro but grown specifically for its round, citrusy seeds used as a spice in curries, pickles, and baking. Allow cilantro to bolt freely and form seed heads, then harvest when seeds turn tan and begin to drop. The dried seeds have a warm, lemony flavor distinct from the fresh leaves and are best toasted before grinding.

Direct sow coriander seeds outdoors after the last frost, as transplanting often triggers premature bolting due to root disturbance. Plant seeds half an inch deep, spacing them 6 inches apart. Lightly crush the round seed coat before sowing to improve germination speed and uniformity. Keep soil evenly moist until germination occurs in 7-14 days. For continuous seed harvest, make two or three successive sowings two weeks apart in spring. Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55-68°F. In hot climates, sow in early spring or fall for best results.

The Season Plate

Your Coriander (Seed) Year

Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1

Sow Coriander (Seed) Mar – May, pick Jul – Sep. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.

Sowing window

Mar – May

re-timed to your frost dates

Plant out

after Apr 2

once frost risk has passed

First picking

around Jun 13

≈ 90 days from sowing · 15-30g per plant

Composed for —ColdTemperateMildWarmUse my locationUsed once to set your season · only the zone is kept

Week-by-week Coriander (Seed) reminders watering, feeding and pruning, timed to your dates

In the app

Frost alerts for your garden a warning before a cold night costs you the crop

In the app

Succession sowing dates so the picking never gaps mid-season

In the app

Prefer email? Get monthly reminders in the Almanac

Keep my dates — free for 7 daysWe nudge you as each window opens · cancel anytime

Coriander seed is harvested from the same species as cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), but the growing approach differs because the goal is seed production rather than leaf harvest. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, planting them half an inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Choose a sunny, well-drained site and water moderately during establishment. Unlike cilantro leaf production, you actually want the plant to bolt quickly.

Once flower stalks emerge, reduce watering to encourage seed set and prevent fungal issues on the developing seed heads. The small white to pale pink umbel flowers are attractive to beneficial insects including hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Support tall stems with light staking if needed, especially in windy areas.

Allow seed heads to dry on the plant until they turn from green to tan and seeds begin to fall when tapped. Cut entire seed heads into paper bags on a dry morning and hang upside down to finish drying indoors for one to two weeks. Thresh seeds by rubbing dried heads between your palms over a clean cloth.

Coriander's umbel flowers are outstanding attractors of beneficial insects including hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and lacewings that prey on garden pests. Plant near tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas to boost their pest control. Coriander grows well alongside dill, chervil, and anise, which share similar cultural requirements. Avoid planting near fennel, which can cross-pollinate and alter seed flavor. Coriander also helps repel potato beetles when grown adjacent to potato beds.

The Society Table

Cilantro belongs beside it. Fennel doesn't.

Old growers' knowledge, checked against Coriander (Seed)'s real companion table below — test any plant you're growing.

Grows well in the company of · 3

CilantroCuminDill

Keep apart · 1

Fennel

Plant Coriander (Seed) with good neighboursThe planner flags conflicts before they're in the ground

Related growing guides

Herbs

Cilantro

A good companion for Coriander (Seed)

Herbs

Cumin

A good companion for Coriander (Seed)

Herbs

Dill

A good companion for Coriander (Seed)

Herbs

Basil

View growing guide

Coriander grows best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. Avoid overly rich soils that promote excessive foliage at the expense of seed development. Work in a light application of balanced compost before planting. Side-dress with a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer once flower buds begin forming to support seed set. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds during the flowering and seed development stages. Sandy loam is ideal, but coriander tolerates most soil types as long as drainage is adequate.

Ideal Temperature

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

Harvest coriander seeds approximately 90 days after sowing, when seed heads turn from green to tan-brown and seeds rattle loosely when shaken. Cut entire umbels with 6 inches of stem attached on a dry morning. Place cut seed heads upside down in paper bags and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 7-14 days. Thresh dried heads by rubbing between your palms. Winnow chaff by pouring seeds between two containers in a gentle breeze. Store whole seeds in airtight glass jars away from light and heat.

Storage & Preservation

Whole coriander seeds retain flavor for up to three years when stored in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark pantry. Toast seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before grinding to maximize their citrusy aroma. Ground coriander loses potency within six months, so grind only what you need. Seeds can also be stored in the freezer indefinitely. For planting stock, keep seeds in paper envelopes in a cool, dry place where they remain viable for 2-3 years.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Premature bolting before plants are well established can reduce seed yield; sow directly outdoors rather than transplanting to avoid root disturbance that triggers bolting. Poor seed set in humid climates is often caused by fungal issues on flowers; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering during bloom. Seed shattering occurs when harvest is delayed too long; monitor color change closely and harvest promptly when seeds turn tan. Uneven germination is common with fresh seed; lightly crush the seed coat before sowing to improve germination rates.

Growing Tips

1. Crush coriander seeds gently before sowing by pressing them with a rolling pin or the flat of a knife. Each round 'seed' is actually a fruit containing two true seeds — splitting them apart exposes both embryos to moisture and speeds germination by 3-5 days.
2. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks from early spring through late autumn for a continuous supply of fresh cilantro leaves. A single sowing bolts within 4-6 weeks in warm weather, so staggered plantings are essential for uninterrupted leaf harvest.
3. Choose slow-bolt varieties like Calypso, Leisure, or Santo if growing primarily for leaf (cilantro). Standard varieties bolt faster but produce larger, more aromatic seeds — grow both types if you want ample harvests of leaves and seed from the same garden.
4. Coriander develops a slender taproot and resents transplanting. Always direct-sow seeds where plants will grow rather than starting in trays. If you must start indoors, use deep biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground without disturbing roots.
5. Provide partial shade during the hottest months to extend leaf production and delay bolting. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for summer cilantro growing. In cooler seasons, full sun produces the most vigorous growth and highest-quality seed.
6. Water consistently but avoid saturated soil — coriander is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, keeping foliage dry and reducing the risk of powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot.
7. Allow some plants to flower and set seed every season. Coriander self-sows readily, and volunteer seedlings that emerge the following spring are often more vigorous and better adapted to your local conditions than purchased seed. A self-sustaining coriander patch requires virtually no replanting effort.
8. Harvest cilantro leaves by cutting outer stems at the base rather than pulling entire plants. This cut-and-come-again method extends the productive life of each plant by several weeks and delays the onset of bolting.
9. For the most aromatic dried coriander seed, harvest when about two-thirds of the seeds on each umbel have turned golden-brown. Seeds harvested too green lack full flavor development, while overripe seeds shatter and fall to the ground before you can collect them.
10. Grow coriander near vegetable crops as a companion plant — the flowers attract hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests. Coriander is especially beneficial planted alongside brassicas, tomatoes, and peppers.