This plant is truly annual which means it only lives once a year and must be replaced after that. Both the leaves and seeds can be used in cooking so you may want to leave some to flower and produce seeds rather than cutting all the plant for its leaves.
It has aromatic bright green leaves and from midsummer to autumn produces clusters of white or pale purple flowers that are followed by spherical, pale brown fruit. A single plant reaches about 50cm tall and 20cm wide.
PlantingSow seed each year in spring - as it is fully hardy it can withstand any late frosts. It may self-seed (grow from its own seeds) so look out for little plants and, if necessary, transplant (carefully dig up and move while keeping the roots intact) them if they are in the wrong place. Once transplanted, water well to help the seedling recover.
Soil and position Coriander originates from the scrubland of the Eastern Mediterranean so enjoys hot dry conditions. Grow it in light, fertile, well-drained soil. If your soil is sticky and heavy you could add plenty of horticultural grit to improve its drainage. Plant coriander in full sun for the best seed production or in partial shade for the best leaf growth.
CarePick leaves throughout the season and keep well-watered for plenty of fresh leaves. If its soil is very dry it will flower, produce seeds and then die. Harvest the seeds when the round brown fruits change colour and become aromatic.
