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 to plant: 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 planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them 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.

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

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are powdery mildew and damping-off. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: 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.

Harvest and storage: 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 planting 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: Kpsudeep, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.