When to Plant Coriander in Alice Springs — Arid / Semi-Arid Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The most frustrating herb in Australia. Coriander bolts to seed at the first hint of warmth, making it a cool-season-only crop in most zones. Both the leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander spice) are useful. Understanding its biology is the key to managing bolting - this is NOT a herb that grows like parsley. It is a rapid-lifecycle annual that wants to flower and die as fast as possible.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 27.9°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✗ Outside optimal range
How to Grow Coriander in Arid / Semi-Arid Australia
When to Plant
Sow March-May and August-September only. Too hot in summer, too cold in winter.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil with compost. Consistent moisture critical.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun in cool weather. Part shade essential in warm zones to delay bolting.
- Spacing
- 5cm apart, 20cm between rows
- Watering
- Keep consistently moist at all times. Any drought stress triggers bolting. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Companion plants: Dill, Chervil, Parsley, Lettuce
Avoid planting near: Fennel
Arid / Semi-Arid Growing Tips for Coriander
Recommended Varieties
- Slow Bolt
- Leisure
Key Challenges
- Extreme heat causes instant bolting
- Low humidity desiccates leaves
- Narrow planting window
Pro Tips
- 50% shade cloth essential
- Mulch heavily
- Drip irrigation for consistent moisture
Harvesting Coriander
When ready: Harvest leaves once plants are 10-15cm tall. Harvest before any sign of central flower stem elongation.
How to harvest: Cut outer leaves at base, leaving central growing point. Or cut entire plant 3cm above soil for regrowth (one regrowth only). For seed: let plants bolt, flower, and set seed until brown.
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