When to Plant Coriander in Alice Springs — Arid / Semi-Arid Guide

Coriander

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.

Planting Calendar

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
— — — — — — S S/T/D S/T/D — — —

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 10.5°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

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.

Common Coriander Pests in Arid / Semi-Arid Zones

Powdery Mildew and Aphids — Risk: LOW (score: 38/100)

Organic prevention: Fast-growing coriander usually outpaces aphid damage. Healthy plants resist better.

View all pest alerts →

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