How to Grow Vietnamese Coriander in Australia
A warm-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing Vietnamese Coriander rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, specialty herb that thrives in SEQ heat and is expensive to buy fresh.
This guide covers when to plant Vietnamese Coriander in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Vietnamese Coriander is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Vietnamese Coriander part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 20 and 32 degrees.
Also called rau răm or laksa leaf. Thrives in SEQ heat where true coriander bolts. Strong peppery-citrus flavour. Loves moisture and part shade in summer.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Few. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Vietnamese Coriander is typically ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Fridge with stems in water, up to 5 days.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, vietnamese coriander is good fresh in Vietnamese pho and spring rolls, added to banh mi and bun bowls, torn into Southeast Asian salads and used in laksa and noodle soups. Nutritionally: essential to Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine and strong peppery-citrus flavour.
Companion Planting
Vietnamese Coriander grows well alongside Chilli and Eggplant. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Vietnamese Coriander Growing
Add vietnamese coriander to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Vietnamese Coriander in Australia?
Vietnamese Coriander is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Vietnamese Coriander take to grow?
Vietnamese Coriander is generally ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks.
Can I grow Vietnamese Coriander in a pot?
Yes. Vietnamese Coriander grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Vietnamese Coriander need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
