Growing Coriander, also Cilantro, Chinese parsley

Coriandrum sativum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Coriander in USA - Zone 7a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: Thin to 45 cm
  • Harvest in 30-45 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Chervil, Anise, Cabbages, Carrots
  • Avoid growing close to: Fennel

Your comments and tips

27 Sep 21, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
No, it's an annual plant regardless of zone. It will often reseed itself in good weather conditions though (not too hot, not too cold, moderate water).
27 Jul 20, Anila (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can I grow cilantro indoors starting the end of July? Or, outdoors only?
28 Jul 20, Sandra G. (USA - Zone 10b climate)
You can plant cilantro all year; during cooler season you may start in tray/cups whatever method and plant out when it's about one inch tall. And if you have hot weather like us in California, you can direct sow the seeds anyplace in the garden, walk around and take a good look see, anyplace where there's shade, drop some seeds. I direct sow in my containers under the zucchini, around the tomatoes, under the marigolds (my marigolds are three feet tall), basically, anyplace in the shade, and remember, cilantro is cut and come again, pick often, because if you let it grow to coriander (to seed-can grow to five feet tall), then you can save the seeds after you let the plant dry out save the flowers because they become seeds. You can get hundreds of seeds from just one plant. Good luck!
02 Nov 20, First Time Farmer (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Fun tip - buy coriander seeds from your local Indian grocery store. It's much much cheaper than buying from seed stores or large grocery stores.
20 Jul 20, Anne Shaw (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there I live close to the mountains in Central North Island and its quite a damp and cold climate. It also gets frosts here. Am wondering if its still okay to try grow Coriander in the garden (and cover on frosty nights) or if its better to grow inside due to the colder climate? Thanks
21 Jul 20, Nicole Botherway (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi there, I grow coriander in the garden over winter here in Christchurch where we get many frosts. This season my coriander has been frozen solid many mornings and has fared well, being even more prolific than in the autumn. I find corriander for me is a winter herb to grow. Good luck.
27 Jan 24, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Living in Christchurch too. I plant coriander the whole year round - in sunny spot in winter and in shady spot in summer
21 Jul 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Check the planting guide here for cool/mountain climate. The big white P (planting time) in the green monthly boxes at the top of the page. If you have frosts from NOV to FEB then give it a miss.
29 Sep 20, Andrea (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I have been growing coriander in Middlemarch for the past three years, and it gets through the winter with no damage. Plants from seed direct sown in autumn, while small, have handled frosts of minus 12 as well as regular minus 5 degrees. All the late summer and autumn self sown seed is looking good. (Sept). I am constantly surprised by its easy handling of extreme winter temperatures. Using my own seed now from original Kings Seeds - 'Indian Summer' ironically.
21 Apr 20, Lisa (USA - Zone 6a climate)
When can I plant cilantro plants? Zone 6a
Showing 11 - 20 of 167 comments

I have been growing coriandar for many years successfully. Coriandar likes cooler weather. I have grown kilos of them during winter months in full sun position. Needs good mulch and fertilizer and plenty of water. Don't try in summer in full sun unless you only want to collect seeds. I am in Sydney and in summer. I am able to grow some under the shade of sweet corn now since the weather has not been very hot.

- Mary

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.