How to Grow Coriander in Australia
Coriander (cilantro) is a polarising herb with a devoted following in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin Australian cooking. It is a cool-season annual that bolts rapidly in heat, making timing critical. Understanding coriander's tendency to bolt — and working with it rather than against it — is the key to a continuous supply.
Coriander Growing Quick Reference
Plant Spacing
10 cm apart
20 cm between rows
Days to Harvest
25–35 days to first harvest; bolt-resistant varieties 45–60 days
Germination: 7–14 days
Sun Needs
Partial shade in summer; full sun in winter
Water Needs
Regular — keep consistently moist; drought stress triggers bolting
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Expected Yield
Ongoing (variable) — a thriving plant produces 50–150g of leaves before bolting
When to Plant Coriander in Australia
Planting times vary significantly across Australia's five climate zones. Find your zone below for the best planting windows.
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Months |
|---|---|
| 🌴 Tropical (Darwin, Cairns) | May–August (cool season only) |
| ☀️ Subtropical (Brisbane, Northern NSW) | April–September |
| 🍂 Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) | March–October (avoid midsummer) |
| ❄️ Cool/Alpine (Canberra, Hobart, high country) | September–April |
| 🏜️ Arid (Alice Springs, outback) | April–September |
Not sure of your climate zone? Enter your postcode to get personalised planting advice.
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How to Grow Coriander in Australia
Coriander's legendary tendency to bolt — sending up a flower stalk and going to seed rather than producing leaves — is its defining characteristic and the main challenge for gardeners. Understanding what triggers bolting allows you to manage it successfully.
Bolting is triggered by long days (day length above 14 hours), high temperatures, drought stress, and root disturbance. This means: sow coriander in autumn, winter, and spring (not summer); water consistently; and direct sow rather than transplanting, as root disturbance reliably triggers bolting.
Crush the seeds slightly before sowing — each 'seed' is actually two seeds in a husk, and cracking the husk improves germination rates. Sow 5–8mm deep in rows 20cm apart, thinning to 10cm spacing. Broadcast sowing in a dense patch works well for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Choose bolt-resistant varieties for maximum leaf harvest: 'Santo', 'Calypso', 'Leisure', and 'Confetti' resist bolting significantly longer than standard varieties.
Succession sow every 3–4 weeks through the cool season. Rather than fighting bolting, many experienced gardeners embrace it — allow some plants to fully seed, saving the dried seeds (coriander seed is itself a valuable spice) and allowing self-seeding. Self-seeded coriander often germinates in exactly the right cool conditions for success.
Grow coriander in partial shade in spring and autumn to extend the harvest before hot weather triggers bolting.
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Companion Planting with Coriander
Grows Well With
These plants make excellent neighbours for coriander in your raised beds — they help deter pests, improve pollination, or enhance growing conditions.
Keep Away From
Avoid planting coriander near these crops — they can inhibit each other's growth, attract shared pests, or compete aggressively.
Common Problems Growing Coriander
Bolting is the primary 'problem' — manage with variety selection, succession sowing, cool temperatures, consistent moisture, and direct sowing.
Powdery mildew occurs in humid conditions — ensure airflow.
Aphids occasionally attack; treat with water blast or insecticidal soap.
Leaf blight causes brown, water-soaked lesions in wet conditions — improve drainage and airflow.
Harvesting Coriander
Harvest coriander by cutting stems at the base, taking no more than one-third of the plant at each harvest. When plants begin to bolt, pinch out the central flower stem to delay the process slightly — though eventually the plant will succeed. Once the plant has fully bolted, allow seed to mature, then harvest seed clusters. Dry and store seeds for cooking or future sowing.
Expected Yield
Ongoing (variable) — a thriving plant produces 50–150g of leaves before bolting
Yield depends on variety, growing conditions, and management. These are typical results for well-maintained Australian raised beds.
Automatic Companion Planting
Plant Planner checks every crop assignment against the full companion database — it knows that Coriander grows well with Spinach and Lettuce and warns you about antagonists automatically.
Unlock FreeHow Much Coriander to Grow
Maintain 6–10 plants at various stages with 3-weekly succession sowing for continuous supply
These estimates are based on average Australian household consumption. Adjust up if you plan to preserve, freeze, or use heavily; adjust down for occasional use.
Growing Coriander — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does coriander take to grow in Australia?
Coriander germinates in 7–14 days and is ready to harvest in 25–35 days to first harvest; bolt-resistant varieties 45–60 days. Harvest coriander by cutting stems at the base, taking no more than one-third of the plant at each harvest.
How far apart should I plant coriander?
Space coriander plants 10 cm apart, with 20 cm between rows. Correct spacing gives each plant room for airflow and root development and is one of the easiest ways to lift your yield in a raised bed.
How much sun does coriander need?
Partial shade in summer; full sun in winter. Regular — keep consistently moist; drought stress triggers bolting.
When should I plant coriander in Australia?
It depends on your climate zone. In temperate areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide) plant coriander March–October (avoid midsummer). Other zones: tropical — May–August (cool season only); subtropical — April–September; cool — September–April; arid — April–September.
What grows well with coriander?
Coriander grows well alongside Spinach, Lettuce, Dill, Tomato, Beans. Keep it away from Fennel, which can compete with it or attract shared pests.
How many coriander plants does a family of four need?
Maintain 6–10 plants at various stages with 3-weekly succession sowing for continuous supply
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