How to Grow Coriander in Australia
Bolt prevention, succession sowing, and planting calendars for every region
Coriander is one of the most wanted herbs in Australian kitchens and one of the most frustrating to grow. It bolts to seed at the first hint of warm weather, leaving you with a tall, flowering plant instead of the leafy herb you wanted. The trick is variety selection, timing, and succession sowing.
This guide covers the best varieties for Australian conditions, how to delay bolting, and alternative plants that give a similar flavour in hot weather.
When to Plant in Your Region
Slow Bolt
The best variety for Australian conditions. Bred specifically to resist bolting in warm weather. Produces more leaf growth before flowering than standard coriander. Your first choice for any planting.
Santo
Another slow-bolting variety with vigorous leaf production. Slightly larger leaves than Slow Bolt. Good for successive harvests. Popular with market gardeners for its reliability.
Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Ram)
Not true coriander but a perennial herb with a similar flavour. Thrives in heat and humidity. Grows in shade. The best coriander substitute for tropical and subtropical regions during summer.
Culantro (Sawtooth Coriander)
Tropical perennial with long, serrated leaves and intense coriander flavour. Handles heat and humidity far better than regular coriander. Common in Caribbean and Asian cooking.
Common Coriander
The standard variety, fast-growing but quick to bolt in any warmth. Best for cool-season growing (autumn to early spring). Good for seed production (the seeds are a spice in their own right).
Bolt Prevention
Coriander bolts because it is an annual that wants to complete its lifecycle quickly. Heat, long days, and root disturbance all trigger bolting. Here is how to delay it:
- Grow slow-bolt varieties. Slow Bolt and Santo give you weeks more leaf production than common coriander
- Plant in the cooler months. Autumn through early spring is the main window in most regions
- Provide afternoon shade in warm weather. Morning sun and afternoon shade extends the leafy phase
- Sow direct, never transplant. Root disturbance triggers immediate bolting. Always sow seeds where they will grow
- Keep soil consistently moist. Dry stress is a major bolting trigger
- Harvest regularly. Frequent picking keeps plants in leaf-production mode
Succession Sowing
Even with slow-bolt varieties, individual coriander plants have a limited leafy lifespan. Succession sowing is essential for a continuous supply.
Sow a small patch every 2 to 3 weeks from late summer through to late spring. By the time one batch starts bolting, the next batch is ready to harvest. In tropical regions, sow only during the dry, cooler months (April to August).
Coriander Alternatives for Hot Weather
When it's too hot for regular coriander, these plants give similar flavours and thrive in the heat:
- Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Ram): Perennial, loves heat and moisture, grows in shade. Similar flavour to coriander with a peppery edge.
- Culantro (Sawtooth Coriander): Tropical perennial with intense coriander flavour. Grows happily in humid conditions that would kill regular coriander.
- Papalo: Mexican herb with a coriander-citrus flavour. Annual that thrives in full summer heat.
Common Problems
Immediate bolting
If coriander bolts within days of planting, the most likely cause is transplant shock or root disturbance. Always direct-sow coriander seeds. Never buy coriander seedlings in punnets.
Yellowing leaves
Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Coriander needs moist but not waterlogged soil. Improve drainage or grow in raised beds.
Aphids
Green aphids cluster on coriander's soft leaves. Blast off with water or spray with soapy water. Severe infestations weaken plants and encourage bolting.
Track Your Coriander Growing
Add coriander to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for succession sowing and harvest time.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant coriander in Australia?
Plant coriander in the cooler months for best results. In temperate regions, sow from March to October. In subtropical regions, sow from April to August. In tropical regions, stick to the dry season (May to August). Avoid sowing in the heat of summer.
Why does my coriander bolt so quickly?
Coriander is an annual that bolts in response to heat, long days, and root disturbance. Use slow-bolt varieties, sow direct (never transplant), water consistently, and grow in the cooler months. Succession sow every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous supply.
Is Vietnamese coriander the same as regular coriander?
No. Vietnamese coriander (Rau Ram) is a completely different plant but has a similar flavour. It is a perennial that thrives in heat and humidity, making it an excellent substitute when regular coriander bolts.
Can I grow coriander in pots?
Coriander grows well in pots at least 20 cm deep. Use good potting mix and keep it consistently moist. Place in morning sun with afternoon shade in warm weather. Sow seeds directly into the pot and do not transplant.
See also: Coriander in the Plant Library
