How to grow coriander in a raised bed

Coriander divides people, but if you love it, it's a must-grow — and growing your own means a steady supply of fresh leaf, which wilts almost the moment it's picked. The knack is keeping it cool.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun in cool weather, part shade in summer
• Spacing: 15 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 4–6 weeks for leaf

When should I plant coriander?

Coriander bolts to seed fast in heat, so sow from autumn through winter and into spring, and give it afternoon shade in warm weather. Sow a fresh patch every few weeks. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to September
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): February to May and August to October
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): February to March and September to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to August
• Arid inland: March to August

How do I grow coriander in a raised bed?

Sow seed directly where it's to grow — coriander resents being transplanted and bolts if its roots are disturbed. Keep it cool and it'll give leaf for weeks.

How often should I water and feed coriander?

Keep the mix evenly moist — dry, stressed coriander bolts straight to flower. A light feed is plenty.

What pests attack coriander?

Keep an eye out for aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect coriander?

The main ones are powdery mildew and damping-off. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with coriander?

Let a plant or two run to flower and it draws in hoverflies and beneficial wasps — and gives you coriander seed to boot. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest coriander?

Pick the outer leaves as you need them. When it eventually bolts, let it go to seed for your spice rack, or leave some to self-sow the next crop.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: ShahadatHossain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.