Since coriander takes an average of 24 weeks from sowing to harvesting, the seeds are either sown immediately in the bed or grown early in the house. We explain both procedures to you here.
How do you sow coriander correctly?
Coriander can be sown directly in the bed from April or grown indoors. Make sure there is a distance of 15-20 cm between the seeds and cover them with a maximum depth of 0.5 cm. Germination occurs within 14-21 days at temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
This is how direct sowing works
Since coriander seeds do not expect tropical temperatures for germination, there is nothing wrong with sowing them from April onwards. If the general weather situation signals that ground frosts are no longer to be expected, you can get started. Choose a sunny bed as a location with soil that is loose, humus-rich and low in lime. Proper sowing requires careful soil preparation. How to do it right:
- weed the bed soil and till it into fine crumbs
- spread a 5-8 centimeter thick layer of compost or leaf mold
- sow the individual coriander seeds at a distance of 15-20 cm
- as a light germinator, sieve a maximum of 0.5 centimeters with substrate or vermiculite
- moisten well with the watering can and protect with a close-meshed net
Germination begins within 14-21 days, depending on the prevailing temperatures. If the sowing was carried out widely, the seedlings are thinned out in May from a height of 5-10 centimeters to a planting distance of at least 20 centimeters.
How to sow coriander behind glass
In the protected ambience of the house or winter garden, coriander can be sowed all year round. February and March are recommended so that the spice plant starts the gardening season with an advantageous growth lead. This is how sowing goes smoothly:
- Fill a 12 cm pot with lean substrate, such as herb or potting soil
- moisten with a fine shower gel
- sow the seeds and sift them very thinly with sand or soil
- Expect germination in a partially shaded window seat at 20-25 degrees Celsius
A cover made of glass or transparent film creates a conducive, moist, warm microclimate in the seed container. To prevent mold from forming, the hood (€12.00 on Amazon) is ventilated briefly every day. The sowing must neither dry out nor float in water afterwards. Under these ideal conditions, the first cotyledons emerge from the seeds within a week. In May the young corianders are planted in the bed or pot.
Tips & Tricks
With Vietnamese coriander you can grow a spice plant that is also an ornament with its pink-red flowers. In the hanging basket or pot on the balcony it attracts everyone's attention and attracts hordes of butterflies.
