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Coriander (Slow Bolting)
Autumn is the best time to plant Coriander. Coriander is an annual and, despite its delicate, feathery look, is best planted from mid to late Autumn through to early Spring. Depending on when you plant, it will reach full abundance in the cold of winter through to late Spring. Avoid planting in late Spring as, with the hotter weather, it will bolt and run to seed before it can be used. Grown this way, your coriander plant should last from three to 6 months and reach up to 75cm tall. It can be cut several times and will re-grow.
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is one of the easiest and most delicious herbs to grow in abundance. It is an extremely versatile plant with the leaves, stems, roots and mature seeds all being flavorsome and aromatic. It suits many different cooking styles, from garnishing pumpkin soup or to use in an Asian style dish.
To extend its life you could cut the plant back by half to use when it has reached about 40 cm, and leave it to grow again, then repeat the process maybe twice more. You could just leave the plant and harvest the whole plant, as the stems and roots have the strongest flavor.
Eventually the plant will ‘run to seed’ that is, grow a thick stalk, flower and produce seed. The seed can be harvested and used as a condiment; however, wait until the seed has dried, rather than use the green, unripe seed.
Grow in a sunny position over Autumn, Winter and early Spring. If grown in warm weather, it will need some shade.
Dried seed can be kept for many years. Store in a tightly closed container in a dark cupboard.
Leaves/stems, once picked, can be kept in a jar full of water for about a week. A plastic bag over the top will prolong their freshness. Alternatively, coriander can be stored in a plastic bag for around two weeks in the fridge.
Coriander leaves can be frozen in freezer bags, however may be mushy once thawed. There are numerous ways of freezer storage, including in ice cubes and separating and laying each leaf flat prior.
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