Coriander (Coriandrum sativum )appears a lot like parsley

A typical coriander plant has one central flowering stem growing upward from a taproot. This central flowering stem could achieve a height of 40-45 cm even. Several other flowering stems also start branching out from this main stem.

Leaves of the coriander plant grow on the main stem and are oval with toothed edges. Some of the leaves though develop on the side branches of the plant and are quite delicate and lacy in nature.

Coriander flowers are small and have pinkish white colour. These flowers develop as cluster at the end of the flowering stem and are flat umbrella like shape.

Coriander is an ancient herb and we find its reference in various ancient resources including books, mythologies, the Vedas (Ayurveda), and the Bible. Even the Egyptians and the Romans used coriander for various purposes including preservation of food and meat.

Coriander herb plant is a sun lover plant and while growing this plant  in your garden you must ensure direct and bright sunlight exposure for sufficient time during the day hours. You also need to ensure moderately rich soil, which is light and is well drained to grow healthy coriander plants. If you are living in extremely hot regions, then planting the coriander in a partly shadowed space is more appropriate.

You can easily grow coriander from the seeds and during early spring, you will see the plants growing high. In case your purpose is to grow, coriander plants to have fresh leaves only then you should prefer planting them in a suitable container. These containers can be placed inside or outside as per your convenience. For this very specific purpose, you should harvest the plant when it attains a height of about 15cm.

If you have enough space in your garden then you may also have continuous crop of coriander by simply sowing new seeds every two weeks. Alternatively, you can pick a few young and tender leaves at one time as soon as the plant attains a normal average height of 12 cm. This “Pick the Young” technique works excellently for few months until the plant starts wearing out or becomes tough. However, you should stop picking young leaves when the flowers of coriander plant start blooming.

Mature coriander seeds have an extremely pleasant and aromatic, flavour and because of this quality, these seeds are extensively used in numerous recipes including potpourris, stews, sausage, pastries, and wines. Best time to harvest seeds comes during the mid summers. During this time, seeds generally ripe and the stem bends due to its weight causing the seeds drop off.

Coriander Herb Pictures

Coriander Herb Videos

herb 3	MF Doom - Coriander
Mint and Coriander	Cooking with Kim!