Garden herbs

Herb: Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum)

Background: An ancient spice used for meat preservation. It has historically been used as a flavouring for food and to disguise the taste of unpleasant medicine.

Garden herb type: Annual.

Growing this herb: Coriander can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in early spring where the plants are required. Thin the seedlings to 30cm apart.

Soil condition and garden position: Coriander likes a rich soil in full sun and it needs a long growing season to make sure that the seeds will ripen. In late summer the seeds turn a light greyish brown the plants can be cut down. Leave the seedheads in a dry airy place for 2-3 days. Shake off the seeds and store in a screw-top jar.

Appearance: Tough stemmed upright plant with ferny leaves. Small white or pink flowers appear in mid-summer and are followed by round, brown seed capsules.

Uses: Coriander seeds are used in pickles and in curries. They are used to add flavour to cream cheese, biscuits and cakes and are an ingredient of curry powder. Sometimes they are used in gingerbread.

Nurturing herbs is an important part of gardening. Gardening Tools Direct have endeavored to group this information together for your interest. Please also see our garden related products.