Coriander is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is also known as Chinese parsley, dhania, or cilantro. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.
Coriander does best in well-drained soil and full sun, but will tolerate some shade in the height of summer. Seeds can be slow to germinate – crushing them very gently before sowing can speed up the process.
Coriander has a long tap root, so it's best to avoid damaging the roots. Sow seeds in multi-cell trays, directly into the soil outdoors where they are to grow, or into pots. In the vegetable plot, sow seeds thinly 1cm deep in rows, 30cm apart. Seeds should germinate within 7-20 days. Thin out the seedlings to 25cm apart. Sow regularly through the summer for a constant supply. Seeds can be sown until late in the season for winter use.
