Grow Coriander Leaves at Home: Growing coriander leaves at home is as easy as it is gratifying. Freshly harvested coriander adds an entirely new taste to any dish and brings a fragrant freshness that perhaps cannot be achieved using herbs purchased in stores. Regardless of whether you are a city dweller or you reside in a house with a yard, these simple tips will lead you through the process of growing coriander leaves beautifully right at home.
Coriander is an easy-to-grow, minimal-space, low-maintenance herb. It’s rich in antioxidants, aids digestion, and enhances immunity. At the cost of minimal effort, you enjoy fresh, organic coriander year-round.
If you don’t have a yard, place a pot of medium size (8–10 inches deep) or any other container made of plastic with holes for drainage. Place it in sunlight like a balcony, windowsill, or patio. Coriander likes sunlight, so try for 4–5 hours of sun each day.
Use rich, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. The ideal soil composition would be a 2:1:1 mix of garden soil, compost, and sand. Avoid clay soil, which retains too much water and can cause rot of the roots.
Buy good quality coriander seeds from a nursery shop or an online retailer. To improve germination, crush the seeds lightly and soak them in water for 12–24 hours. Sow them directly into the ground about ¼ inch deep and cover with a thin layer of earth. Water them gently.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water every day or every second day depending on the weather. Never water too much. You can also thin the seedlings when they are 2–3 inches high so that there is a good air circulation.
You may start to pick coriander leaves after 3–4 weeks of sowing. Pick the upper leaves first and allow the inner shoots to grow. Picking frequently encourages further leaf formation.
It is simple with some attention to have coriander throughout the year and never be short of fresh herbs. It is a cheap method to save on money, keep pesticides out of your greens, and appreciate nature—even at your home kitchen window.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Drinking Coriander Juice on an Empty Stomach