How to Grow Coriander in New Zealand
Bolts quickly in summer heat, so favour autumn through early spring sowings in the warm north. Sow little and often direct into the bed as it dislikes transplanting. Let some plants flower for coriander seed and to feed beneficial insects.
When to plant coriander in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | March, April, August, September, October |
Best coriander varieties for NZ
- Calypso — Slow-bolting leaf type, markedly slower to flower than other coriander, best for a long picking season. (Kings Seeds)
- Picante — Slow-bolting selection with dark green foliage and good flavour, NZ grown and untreated. (Kings Seeds)
- Slow Bolt / Leisure — Reliable leaf coriander bred to hold longer before running to seed. (Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow coriander
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 50 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow coriander near: Spinach, Dill.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Coriander plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant coriander in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy coriander seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.