Coriander (dhania) is a popular herb in Indian cuisine that is known for its distinct flavor and aroma. Growing coriander in your own kitchen garden is not only a great way to add fresh herbs to your cooking, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Coriander |
| Scientific Name | Coriandrum sativum |
| Nutrition | Coriander leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium. They are also high in antioxidants and can help lower inflammation in the body. |
| Months/Season it’s grown | Coriander can be grown throughout the year in India, but it grows best during the cooler months, from October to February. |
| Weeks it takes to grow | Coriander usually takes around 4-6 weeks to grow from seed to harvest. |
| Harvest per plant in kgs | You can harvest around 200-300 grams of coriander leaves from a single plant. |
Varieties of Coriander that can be grown in India
There are several varieties of coriander that can be grown in India, including the ‘Green Aroma’ and ‘Kiran’ varieties. You can choose the variety that suits your taste and growing conditions.
Season and Months for growing coriander in India
Coriander can be grown throughout the year in India, but it grows best during the cooler months, from October to February. If you want to grow coriander during the summer months, you can plant it in a shaded area to protect it from the scorching heat.
Soil conditions and temperature needed
Coriander grows best in temperatures between 17°C to 27°C. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as this can cause the plant to rot. Coriander can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, but it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not too compact.
Caring for Coriander in different weeks:
Week 1-2: After sowing the seeds, it is important to keep the soil moist. You can cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or compost and water them lightly. If you are planting coriander in a container, place it in a shaded area where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Week 3-4: As the seedlings start to grow, you can water them more frequently, but avoid overwatering as this can cause the plant to wilt. You can also start adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil to promote healthy growth.
Week 5-6: By this time, the coriander plant should be well-established. You can continue to water it regularly and add fertilizer once a month. It is important to weed the area around the plant regularly to prevent competition for nutrients.
Harvest time
Coriander can be harvested in around 40-50 days after sowing. You can pick the leaves as soon as they are big enough to use in your cooking. It is important to harvest the leaves regularly to promote new growth.
Nutrition in the fruit
Coriander leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium. They are also high in antioxidants and can help lower inflammation in the body.
How much can one harvest from a small kitchen garden?
You can harvest around 200-300 grams of coriander leaves from a single plant. This can be enough to add flavor to several dishes and can be a great addition to your kitchen garden.
Conclusion
Growing coriander in your kitchen garden is a great way to add fresh flavor to your cooking while also enjoying the process of growing your own food. With the right soil conditions, temperature, and care, you can easily grow coriander in your own backyard.
