Cultivated coriander plants - Coriandrum sativum

Coriander, known as Coriandrum sativum in Latin, is an annual plant that is highly aromatic and resembles parsley. Its fragrance evokes a mixture of celery with a hint of anise or orange. Dried leaves and seeds are used in oriental and Asian cuisine, as well as in Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine. Plant it in spring after the last frost, for a harvest throughout the summer as needed. Some seeds can be saved for reseeding in early spring in a warm area.

Coriander belongs, like Chervil and Dill, to the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) and forms a beautiful plant that can reach a height of 50cm (20in). It is cultivated in full sun or partial shade, in fairly rich soil.

Although easy to grow, it is one of those very reactive plants that require a minimum of warmth to grow but do not tolerate drought episodes well, which cause it to quickly go to seed. To counter this sensitivity and have this aromatic herb for a long period, we recommend staggering the plantings in time, ideally every 3 to 4 weeks.

It is a highly aromatic herb. The leaves flavour marinades, fish, and salads. It is best used raw, as cooking alters its fragrance. The sweet and lemony-flavoured seeds are perfect with pickles but can also be ground and used in gingerbread.

Harvest: The harvest of Coriander (leaves and seeds) can be spread over a long period, provided that plantings are staggered, from summer to autumn.

Storage: Coriander leaves can be refrigerated for a few days or preserved for a few months by drying or freezing. However, it is preferable to consume them freshly picked to fully enjoy their fragrance. Once thoroughly dried, the seeds can be stored in a paper bag or jar, at room temperature and protected from humidity.

Gardener's tip: To reduce watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves, starting from the end of May. This protective layer helps to retain moisture in the soil and also reduces weed growth.