🌱 A familiar problem…
A fellow plot holder recently said:
“I love coriander but I never seem to get it to grow.”
It’s a common frustration — but honestly, coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the easiest herbs to grow once you stop overthinking it.
🌿 Keep it simple (this really works)
My method couldn’t be easier:
- Sprinkle the seeds directly onto the soil
- Cover lightly with fine, sieved compost
- Water gently
That’s it. No fuss, no transplanting, no complicated setup.
Coriander actually prefers to be left alone — it doesn’t love being moved or disturbed.
🌱 Why people struggle with coriander
If it’s not working, it’s usually one of these:
- 🌡️ Too hot / too sunny → bolts quickly
- 🪴 Transplanted seedlings → often fail
- 💧 Dry soil → poor germination
- ⏳ Sown too late → goes straight to seed
👉 In Edinburgh conditions, you’ll often get better results in cooler spells or partial sun.
🌿 The secret bonus: let it self-seed
Once you get it going, coriander becomes wonderfully low-effort.
If you let a few plants flower and go to seed:
- It will drop seed naturally
- New plants will appear without you doing anything
- Each generation tends to be better adapted to your plot
It’s one of those crops that can quietly become a permanent resident.
🌼 Don’t miss the best bit…
Everyone loves the leaves — but don’t overlook the seeds.
Fresh green coriander seeds are:
- Citrusy
- Mild and aromatic
- Completely different from the dried spice
❄️ A brilliant trick: freeze the green seeds
When the seeds are still green:
- Pick whole stems
- Pop them into a jar or container
- Freeze them
They keep that fresh, tangy flavour beautifully — perfect for cooking later on.
🌿 Grow it yourself
Coriander is ideal for:
- Allotment beds
- Raised planters
- Even pots on a sunny windowsill
👉 If you’ve struggled before, try again — just simpler this time.