Native to the Mediterranean region, coriander delights both hobby gardeners and gourmets with its multifaceted benefits. However, the spice plant cannot boast of winter hardiness. We'll tell you here how you can still achieve cultivation over several years.
Is there a perennial variety of coriander to grow?
Coriander is typically an annual, but Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata) is a perennial alternative with a similar flavor. It is not frost-resistant, but can overwinter by moving to winter quarters at 18-22°C and watering regularly.
This coriander variety thrives over several years
Real coriander thrives as an annual plant even in its warm home regions. After flowering in June and July, the plant stops growing in order to invest all of its energy into the coveted seeds. As a result, it dies and no amount of loving care can persuade it to sprout again.
Not so with Vietnamese coriander. Botanically assigned to the knotweed family, this herbal plant has the necessary reserves of energy for perennial cultivation. Its leaves contain the sweet, peppery aroma of coriander leaves. Frost resistance is not one of their attributes; If placed in the correct winter quarters in a timely manner, it will continue to grow, unlike real coriander. Why do botanical quibbles matter?
How to overwinter successfully
Throughout the summer, Vietnamese coriander creates decorative accents on the balcony thanks to its pink-red flowers. Creative hobby gardeners like to plant the tropical herb plant in the hanging basket and kill two birds with one stone. So that the harvest of the aromatic leaves can continue during the cold season, the spicy plant moves to its winter quarters in good time.
- Put away Vietnamese coriander when outside temperatures are below 10-12 degrees Celsius
- place in a warm south-facing window at temperatures of 18-22 degrees Celsius
- water regularly when the substrate surface has dried
- pamper with organic liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks
With this form of overwintering, you continue to harvest the delicate leaves. Alternatively, carry the herb plant to a bright, cool place. At temperatures of 5-10 degrees Celsius, the perennial coriander stops growing. The plant will sprout again next spring when it moves to the sunny windowsill.
Tips & Tricks
In addition to the classic Vietnamese coriander, 'Vap Ca' is another herbal plant from Vietnam that is making a name for itself. The leaves also remind you of the taste of coriander and have a pleasant, lemony scent. Above all, this member of the Houttuynia genus is a hardy plant species.