'Coriander' is a plant in the Coriandrum genus with a scientific name of Coriandrum sativum. The botanical name epithet for Coriander (sativum) means 'having been cultivated'.

Parsley-like leaves, with small white blooms, this plant is becoming increasingly popular in herb gardens across the world.

Many people ask – is it cilantro or coriander? In the US, cilantro is the plant itself, while coriander are what the seeds are called. In India and areas with large Indian immigrant cultures, the plant is known as “dhania”. In South Africa, it is called coriander.

The “seed” of cilantro is actually the whole fruit with two embryos inside. This means that if you plant 10 “seeds” and get 100% germination you will have 20 cilantro plants.

Coriander has lacy-fern-like leaves with little white flowers. When starting coriander, remember that it doesn’t like to be transplanted. It grows to be about 24" tall with spindly stems. It is a good herb to grow with other plants around it to help hold it up in the winds. It is a easy to grow annual, that likes lots of water.

All parts of the plants are used for culinary purposes. The seeds are used in flavouring many dishes, the leaves are added to salads, and the roots are cooked like a vegetable. Coriander is one of the most common herbs in the Middle East and also in Mexico, for all the flavoured dishes served there. The plant and flowers have an awful scent to them until they are dried. Then the seeds have a lemon-scented smell with seeds that look like peppercorns. It is a plant that needs full sun, moist soil and needs a little fertilization when planted.

The plant itself is quite interesting for as it grows, there are wide leaflets on the bottom and then smaller ferny leaves towards the top of the stem. The seeds are used in making teas used as a digestive aid, and it also has a sedative effect on some. The oil from the seeds is used to disguise the flavours of other medicines and the oil is also used in ointments for painful rheumatic joints and muscles.

Ideal for containers.

Blooms appear in these approximate colours:   White and   Pale pink. When ripe, fruit appear in these approximate colours:   Tan. Leaves appear approximately as a   North Texas Green

Coriander grows as a biennial and is a flowering edible herb / vegetable. Being a biennial plant, it tends to grow best over the course of two years.

Normally growing to a mature height of 90.0 cm (2.93 feet), Coriander grows with a forb habit. This plant tends to be ready for harvesting by late summer.

Try planting Coriander if you'd like to attract bees to your garden.

Some varieties of Coriander you may like to consider growing are: Slow Bolt Coriander, Santo, Cilantro oaxaca, Chinese Parsley and Calypso.

Coriander needs a moderate amount of maintenance, so some level of previous experience comes in handy when growing this plant. Ensure that you are aware of the soil, sun, ph and water requirements for this plant and keep an eye out for pests.