Overview

Coriandrum sativum is a columnar upright annual in the genus Coriandrum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall and 0.66 m wide. Coriandrum sativum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.

About

Coriandrum sativum is an annual herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family, commonly known as coriander. It typically grows to around 0.5 metres in height with a spread of about 0.66 metres. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers sandy or loamy soils that are moist but well-drained. It is hardy in the UK to H7 and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, and the Levant. The leaves of this plant are known as cilantro in the US.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Coriander

About the genus

Coriander, or Coriandrum sativum, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. The leaves are known as cilantro in the US.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Coriandrum

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Coriandrum sativum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Annual
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5 m
Spread
0.66 m
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Native to
Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Transcaucasus, Türkiye

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Coriandrum sativum

Propagation
Seed sown in modules or open ground
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Coriandrum sativum?

Coriandrum sativum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Coriandrum sativum need?

Coriandrum sativum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Coriandrum sativum grow?

Coriandrum sativum reaches a height of 0.5 m and a spread of 0.66 m.

Is Coriandrum sativum hardy in the UK?

Coriandrum sativum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Coriandrum sativum?

Seed sown in modules or open ground.

From the Fenn Plants journal