How to grow Coriander in New Zealand
Coriander, also called cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a fast annual herb whose leaves, stems, roots and seeds are all used in cooking. Its one weakness is bolting: heat, dry soil and long days make it run to seed quickly, so it is best sown little and often in the cooler months. Plants that flower are not wasted, as they feed hoverflies and bees and give coriander seed.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Coriander in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | March and April, August to October | |
| Auckland | March and April, August to October | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | March and April, August to October | |
| Central North Island | March and April, September and October | Skip August in the central North Island. Hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings, so start in September, under a cloche if you can. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | March and April, August to October | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March and April, August to October | |
| Canterbury | March, September to November | Start spring sowings in Sep under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to mid October. Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | March, October to January | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to late October. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Jan. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | October and November | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run into early November. Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. Skip autumn sowings; growth stops before they are ready. |
Where to plant
Sow coriander in a spot with full sun in the cool months and part shade in warmer weather, in well-drained soil that is kept moist. It dislikes transplanting, which can trigger bolting, so sow it directly where it is to grow.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow in March and April and from August to October. Summer heat makes it bolt quickly in the warm north.
- Central North Island: skip August. Sow in September and October and in March and April.
- Canterbury: sow from September to November, starting under a cloche, and again in March.
- Otago and Southland: sow from October to January, as cool summers let you keep sowing, and again in March.
- Central Otago: sow in October and November; skip autumn sowings.
Choosing a variety
- Slow-bolting varieties such as Calypso, Picante and Leisure hold longer before running to seed, giving a longer picking season.
How to plant
- Sow seed directly about 1 cm deep, in short rows or patches.
- Keep the soil moist; seedlings appear in 7 to 10 days.
- Thin to about 5 to 15 cm apart.
- Sow a new patch every few weeks so fresh plants are always coming on.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly and never let the soil dry out, as stress makes coriander bolt and the leaves turn tough and tasteless. In pots, check the mix often, especially terracotta, which dries quickly.
A light liquid feed now and then keeps fresh leaves coming.
Pruning and care through the year
- Snip leaves often, which encourages more growth.
- Let a few plants flower for coriander seed and to feed hoverflies, bees and parasitic wasps.
Harvesting
Start picking about six weeks after sowing. Snip the outer leafy stems first while the foliage is soft and rounded, before the plant sends up a flower stalk with feathery leaves. The roots can be dug and used in Thai cooking.
For seed, let plants flower and the seed heads turn brown, then cut and dry them upside down in a paper bag. Fresh coriander keeps about a week in the fridge with the stems in water, covered loosely with a bag.
Growing in pots
Coriander grows well in a pot at least 20 cm wide and deep, in sun or part shade. Keep the mix moist, as pots dry out fast and dry plants bolt.
Using it
Use fresh leaves in curries, soups, stir-fries, salads and salsas, add them at the end of cooking, or grind them into pesto. Roots and stems flavour curry pastes. Dried seeds are a spice, whole or ground.
Companion planting
Coriander flowers bring beneficial insects into the vege garden.
Good companions
- Spinach A cool-season leafy crop with the same sowing times and moisture needs.
- Dill Another quick herb whose flowers feed beneficial insects.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to coriander.
- Fennel Fennel is a poor neighbour for most herbs and vegetables.
Pests and diseases
Coriander has few pests. Bolting is the most common problem.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Small green insects covering stems and leaves.
- Caterpillars Chewed leaves and droppings.
- Thrips Yellowish or brownish mottling of the leaves.
- Slugs Seedlings chewed, with silvery trails.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on leaves, mostly on older plants.
- Bacterial spot Small, water-soaked spots on leaves that turn brown, worst in wet weather.
Common questions
Why does my coriander bolt so quickly?
Heat, dry soil, long days and transplanting all trigger bolting. Sow directly in the cooler months, keep the soil moist, grow slow-bolting varieties and sow a new patch every few weeks.
When should I sow coriander in New Zealand?
In the cooler months: March and April and from August to October in most of the North Island. In Otago and Southland, cool summers allow sowing from October to January.
Can I grow coriander in summer?
In cool southern summers, yes. In the warm north it bolts quickly in summer heat, so sow in autumn and spring instead, in part shade.
Can I use coriander after it flowers?
The leaves turn feathery and less tasty, but the flowers feed beneficial insects and the plant then sets coriander seed you can dry and use as a spice.
Can you eat coriander roots?
Yes. The roots are full of flavour and are used in Thai curry pastes.
Can I transplant coriander seedlings?
It is best sown directly, as transplanting can make it bolt.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow coriander; Yates NZ: Common problems of coriander; Kings Seeds: Coriander Picante.