Coriander

Growing

To enjoy the full spectrum of this herb, you should prepare to harvest it at two different stages. If you want tender, citrusy leaves, harvest the foliage early. If you prefer the warm, nutty spice, allow the plant to bolt and develop its dry fruits. When the seeds are mature, they can be dried and used whole or ground; however, because the volatile oils dissipate so quickly, you will get the most intense aroma by grinding them fresh for use in spice blends or even homebrewing.

When sowing, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to ensure healthy development. Because this is a cool-season annual, it handles light frost well, making it a great candidate for early spring or late fall planting. If you are growing for seed, let the upright stems flower and the small, round fruits mature on the plant. To preserve the harvest, you can freeze the leaves after blanching them, or dry the seeds for long-term use. If you use the seeds as a spice, try lightly roasting them in a dry pan before use to heighten their pungent, orange-like fragrance.