Table of Contents
Introduction
Coriander, also known as cilantro or dhaniya, is a staple in Indian cuisine, cherished for its versatility. While coriander leaves are used to enhance the flavour of various dishes, coriander seeds are prized as natural aromatizing agents. Coriander farming is becoming increasingly rewarding due to the rising demand in both domestic and international markets.
Are you planning to grow coriander from seeds on your farm? This guide is designed to equip you with essential techniques and tips on sowing coriander seeds to maximize your yield. Read on till the end to gain complete insights into coriander seed sowing.
Step 1 – Climate, Soil and Season for Sowing Coriander Seeds
Climate Requirements for Growing Coriander
Coriander crop requires cool and dry climatic conditions. Coriander grows well in both tropical and subtropical regions. The optimal temperature range for healthy growth of coriander plants is between 20°C and 25°C. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can negatively affect the crop. High temperatures reduce germination rates, while frost can trigger dormant growth.
For good growth, coriander requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate partial shade. Heavy rainfall can adversely impact the coriander crop health and yield.
Soil Requirements for Growing Coriander
Coriander can grow well in a wide range of soils, from sandy loams to heavy black cotton soils. However, well-drained, moisture-retentive soils rich in organic matter are ideal. Waterlogging should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot in coriander plants. Under rainfed conditions, black cotton soils with high moisture retention are the best choice.
The optimal soil pH range for coriander is between 6.0 and 8.0. Highly alkaline soils are unsuitable for coriander cultivation.
Season for Sowing Coriander Seeds
If the coriander crop is cultivated for leaves, it can be grown throughout the year, except during the extreme heat of March to May. However, if the coriander crop is cultivated for coriander grains, it needs to be sown during specific months. This is because the crop requires cool weather in its early stages and warm, dry conditions for maturity. Dry and cool weather, free from frost, is especially beneficial during the flowering and fruit-setting stages, ensuring better grain production. Cloudy weather during these stages increases the risk of pests and diseases.
Therefore, in India, for grain production, coriander is generally sown as a Rabi crop from mid-October to mid-November in Andhra Pradesh, as well as in northern and central India. In Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, it is generally grown as a Kharif crop from June to September. Late sowing may also be recommended in areas prone to frost damage.
In some cases, coriander is cultivated as a mixed crop alongside cotton and pulses, utilizing intercropping practices to maximize land use.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Coriander Variety
When selecting a coriander variety, it’s important to consider various factors, including climate, soil type, and the intended purpose of cultivation (whether for leaves or grains). A few popular coriander varieties are listed below to make your decision on coriander variety selection easier.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Coriander Seeds
Procuring quality coriander seeds is a crucial step in successful coriander cultivation. Even with excellent farm management practices, using poor-quality Coriander seeds can result in low yields. Investing in quality coriander seeds ensures a healthier, more productive crop.
Looking for the best quality coriander seeds? Desikheti offers a wide range of high-quality coriander seeds. Visit Desikheti to explore our collection of coriander seeds, purchase them with just a few clicks, and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Seed Rate for Coriander Cultivation
A seed rate of around 20 kg per acre is recommended for hybrid varieties.
Seed Treatment
Most hybrid seeds sold by private companies are pre-treated with insecticides and fungicides to protect against pests and diseases. However, if you purchase untreated seeds, you can treat the seeds with fungicides such as Captan or Thiram (2 g/kg) before sowing.
Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Coriander Seeds
In the case of rainfed crops, the land is ploughed 3 to 4 times to break the clods and conserve soil moisture. For irrigated crops, the land is ploughed twice or thrice, and beds and channels are formed. During the last ploughing, 10 to 15 tonnes of well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure is applied.
A basal dose of 20-30 kg of Nitrogen, 30-40 kg of Phosphorus, and 20 kg of Potassium per hectare is applied. The exact fertilizer doses may vary based on soil type, region, and specific requirements. Generally, black soils require less fertilizer application than other soil types. After ploughing, the land is laid out into beds and channels.
Step 5: Sowing Coriander Seeds
Gently crush or trample the coriander seeds. This minor crushing helps in increasing germination. Coriander seeds can also be soaked in water for about 12 hours before sowing.
The two most common methods of sowing coriander seeds are broadcast sowing and line sowing. Generally, under rainfed conditions, broadcast sowing is preferred, while line sowing is preferred for irrigated coriander crops.
Broadcast Sowing
In the broadcast method, seeds are scattered across the field to ensure uniform distribution. After sowing, rake the soil lightly to cover the seeds. Coriander seeds are best sown at a depth of 1-2 cm. Seeds sown at this shallow depth retain moisture, which promotes better germination.
Line Sowing
In line sowing, coriander seeds are generally planted in rows spaced 30-40 cm apart, with 15 cm between hills. The sowing depth of coriander Seeds should not exceed 3 cm. Three to five seeds are sown per hill, and later, the seedlings are thinned to two plants per hill.
Line sowing is more organized, efficient, and suited for small-scale or commercial farming. It helps manage crops more effectively with minimal seed waste.
Once the seeds have been sown, irrigate the field properly. The first irrigation should be given immediately after sowing, and then the second irrigation should be given 3 days after sowing the coriander seeds.
Germination of coriander seeds generally occurs within 10 to 15 days of sowing coriander seeds.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Coriander Seeds
Apply 20 to 30 kg of Nitrogen 30 days after sowing coriander seeds. Avoid excessive nitrogen application if the crop is grown for grains, as it can promote excessive vegetative growth without grain production.
Irrigate the crop every 10-15 days, depending on the available soil moisture. Coriander requires water at key growth stages, including the two-leaf stage, branching stage, flowering stage, and seed-filling stage. During the flowering and seed development stages, water stress should be kept to a minimum to ensure proper seed development. However, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and the development of poor-quality grains.
Maintain a weed-free environment during the first 30 days. The first weeding should be done within 30 days after sowing coriander seeds.
Regularly inspect the coriander plants for any pests or diseases and take appropriate management measures to protect the crop.
Step 7: Harvesting of Coriander Leaves and Grains
Coriander leaves can be harvested 30-45 days after sowing coriander seeds. Coriander grains will be ready for harvest around 90-120 days after sowing coriander seeds. The exact harvesting time varies depending on the variety and other farm management practices. In some varieties, 50% of the coriander leaves can be harvested in 60-75 days, providing additional income without affecting the grain yield.
Harvesting of grains needs to be done when they are fully ripe and have changed from green to brown. Delaying the harvest should be avoided, as it can lead to grain shattering and splitting, resulting in yield loss.
The plants are either cut or pulled, tied in bundles, and piled in a shaded area for drying. After 2-3 days of shade drying, the grains are threshed, winnowed, and sundried. The cleaned and dried produce is then stored.
Common FAQs related to Coriander Seed Sowing
Q. How many days will it take to grow coriander from seed?
A. Coriander leaves can be harvested within 30-45 days of planting, while coriander seeds take approximately 90-120 days to mature.
Q. What kind of soil should I use for coriander?
A. Coriander can be grown in a wide range of soils. However, coriander grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter. The ideal pH range of soil is between 6.0 and 8.0.
Q. Is coriander tolerant to frost?
A. Coriander can tolerate light frost; however, prolonged exposure to frost can damage the plants.
Q. When should I harvest coriander seeds?
A. Coriander grains are typically ready for harvest around 90-120 days after sowing coriander seeds. Harvesting should occur when the grains are fully ripe and have transitioned from green to brown. The exact timing may vary depending on the variety and farm management practices.
Q. What is the sowing season for coriander seeds?
A. Coriander requires cool and dry climatic conditions for optimal growth. For leaf production, coriander can be grown throughout the year, except during the extreme heat of March to May. For grain production, coriander seeds should be sown during specific months.
In India, coriander is generally sown as a Rabi crop from mid-October to mid-November in Andhra Pradesh, as well as northern and central India. In Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, it is typically grown as a Kharif crop from June to September.
Q. Should I soak coriander seeds before planting?
A. Soaking coriander seeds is not compulsory, but it can improve germination. Soaking coriander seeds for about 12 hours before sowing can help achieve better germination rates.
Q. How to make coriander germinate faster?
A. To encourage faster germination, gently crush or trample the coriander seeds before sowing, but be careful not to damage the seeds. Alternatively, soaking coriander seeds in water for about 12 hours before sowing can also help speed up germination.
Q. How deep should I plant coriander seeds?
A. Coriander seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm. It is recommended not to sow them deeper than 3 cm.
Q. What is the sowing distance for coriander?
A. In line sowing method, coriander seeds are typically sown in rows spaced 30-40 cm apart, with 15 cm between each hill. Sow 3 to 4 seeds per hill and thin the seedlings to retain 2 healthy plants per hill.
Q. How to sow coriander seeds?
A. Coriander seeds can be sown using either the broadcasting method or the line sowing method.
Q. What is the seed rate for coriander?
A. The seed rate for coriander is around 20 kg per acre for hybrid varieties.
Q. Why are my coriander seeds not growing?
A. Poor germination can be due to low-quality seeds or improper sowing techniques. Ensure you use good-quality coriander seeds and follow proper sowing practices. You can find high-quality coriander seeds at Desikheti.
