Growing Coriander In Pots

Providing the right condition and needs, you can grow coriander easily in pots. Here's everything you need to know on how to grow coriander in pots.

When I was a child, my mom told me I shouldn’t eat too much coriander because she thought it was harmful to the brain.

But recent studies have shown that coriander can protect the brain (sorry, mom). Not only that, but cilantro can also protect your heart, skin, and gut health.

To get all the benefits of this herb, you must consume it fresh. And the best way of achieving that is by growing coriander at home.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about growing coriander in pots!

Table of ContentsShow

Growing Conditions Of Potted Coriander

Soil

Soil

Coriander can tolerate many soils, but it grows best in a fast-draining growing medium.

The potting soil you’re using must also be rich in nutrients.

Keep in mind there are a lot of cheap brands of potting soil out there that are full of pests and weeds. So, always use premium brands of potting soil for your herbs.

I recommend the popular Foxfarm potting soil for your potted coriander. Foxfarm soil is well-drained, rich, and pH balanced.

It also has a very firm texture that doesn’t break down over time.

Water

Water Plants

You should water coriander in moderation. Avoid over-watering your coriander plants, but also don’t underwater them.

Water your potted coriander plants whenever the soil becomes dry. Remember that if your coriander plants become too dry, they could bolt.

In hot weather, you might need to water the plant a few times per day.

Be consistent with how often you water your coriander. Don’t change your watering schedule too many times.

Temperature (Climate)

Temperature

Coriander can bolt under stressful conditions such as hot weather.

Bolting is the process by which the plant produces seeds too early.

There are many ways to prevent bolting of your coriander (you check them here). But the best way is to keep the temperature under control.

Although coriander prefers warm climates, it’s very resistant to cold weather.

Studies have shown that the roots of coriander plants can withstand frosty conditions (down to -10°C).

Light

Sun

The light conditions of coriander depend on the climate.

If the weather is too hot, grow the plant in partial shade (three to six hours of sunlight per day at most). Doing this should prevent it from bolting.

Otherwise, the plant would thrive in full sun (six to eight hours of sunlight per day).

You can also grow cilantro indoors. You can use artificial light to supplement natural light.

Nutrition

Fertilizer

If you want to increase the yield of your potted cilantro plants, you need to use some fertilizers.

Use organic fertilizers instead of synthetic ones to keep the soil healthy.

Coriander needs fertilizers that are high in nitrogen. (Check the best fertilizers for herbs).

Wait for your coriander plants to become established. At that point, you can feed them less often and prevent them from bolting.

Important Tips For Growing Coriander In Pots

Choosing Containers

Cilantro

Make sure your coriander plants are growing in containers with good drainage.

If your coriander’s pot traps too much water, it can suffocate. In time, it will kill the plant.

The container should also be at least ten inches deep and twenty inches wide to allow the roots to grow.

Pruning

Pruning your coriander on a regular basis is very important.

Cutting back your coriander would slow its bolting and promote new growth.

Also, pruning prevents the overcrowding of stems and leaves. Pruning makes the plant less susceptible to pests and diseases.

As soon as the plant becomes four to six inches tall, you can start pruning it. Use sharp scissors to cut back at least half an inch (one centimeter) of the most established stems.

If you can’t prune your coriander regularly, cut back the flowering stems as soon as they appear on the plant.

Harvesting

Cilantro Herb

By pruning the plant, you’re also harvesting it.

Every time you prune your coriander, you’ll end up with a decent amount of leaves you can store in the fridge.

You can also harvest your coriander on demand whenever you need to season or garnish a dish.

Disease Prevention

The most likely diseases to affect coriander are leaf spots, powdery mildew, and stem rot.

Those diseases are usually caused by fungal or bacterial organisms.

There is a way to prevent leaf spots: ensure that the air is circulating well in the space where your plants are growing.

You can also prevent powdery mildew through proper air circulation. Also, you must have adequate spacing between your plants and proper pruning.

Finally, there are two ways you can prevent stem rot. First, do not overwater the soil. Next, keep the temperature under control.

Propagating Coriander (From Seed)

coriander

Propagating coriander from seed is the best way to grow the plant.

You must confirm that the seeds you’re using are no more than two years old.

Coriander seeds are tiny, so to make it easier for you to disperse and sow them, mix them with sand. Coriander dislikes transplanting, so you should sow the seeds in their permanent containers.

Sow the seeds at least one-quarter inch (one-half centimeter) deep in the soil.

Use care when watering the soil so you don’t damage the seedlings. Keep the soil moist but not too wet.

Be careful; there is an optimal temperature for germinating coriander seeds. Keep the environment at 65 to 68°F (18 to 20°C).

It’s critical to place the seeds in a well-ventilated place to prevent damping off.

With the right conditions, coriander seeds need one to three weeks to germinate. After that, they will need a lot of light and water to grow. Coriander seedlings need more water than adult plants.

You can boost the growth of coriander seedlings by using liquid organic fertilizers.

Propagating Coriander From Cuttings

Growing Coriander

You can also grow your coriander from cuttings if you already have an established plant.

Cut a coriander stem that is at least five inches tall, and immerse it in a glass of water. Keep the glass away from direct sunlight and change the water every other day.

After a few weeks, you’ll have a fully rooted coriander cutting.

Transplanting the cutting is challenging because it may die due to shock. So, harden off the cutting as you transplant it to its permanent home.

You can keep it in the dark for one to two days, and protect it from harsh weather.

Finals Thoughts

Gardeners think of coriander as an easy-growing plant. So, don’t hesitate to start growing it.

And make sure to consume it often to get all of its medicinal benefits.

Enjoy growing coriander, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Jad Daou

Jad has always been passionate about growing plants. When he finished high school, he majored in biology, which makes him very knowledgeable about agriculture.