INTRODUCTION
Coriander is indispensable spice in the kitchen. It gives good, flavourto dish. Thus coriander fresh leaves are used to prepare testy dishes. Coriander leaves constitute one of the richest sources of Vitamin ‘C’
Climate
Coriander cannot withstand extreme temperatures either cool or hot. Ideally, a warm 25degree Celsius is enough for the seeds to germinate and grow into plants. The crop grows well in sandy loam and clay loam soils.
Coriander grows very rapidly with the right amount of sunshine. During germination the seeds will require sunlight only for a couple of hours every day but once they start producing leaves, they will need 5 to 6hours of bright light.
Sowing and spacing
Spacing plays a very important role while planting coriander. The plants become very bushy and if not well spaced, they can mess up your garden. While sowing the seeds, make 1 inch deep holes and space them at 15cm by 30cmt to avoid competition for nutrients. Seedlings emerge 7-10 days after planting.
Thinning
- Done when the crop attains 5-7cm height
- After sowing coriander seeds, water them thoroughly and continue doing so every day till the seeds germinate.
- After germination you can water the plants only when it is necessary. Well drained soil is always a pre-requisite for coriander crop.
- Ensure that the water doesn’t stand for long hours rotting the roots and damaging the plants.
Nutrient Management
The crop require fertile soil, add organic manure and fertilize the soil as per crop-nutrient requirement ie20T FYM, apply 90 kg Nitrogen, 80 kg Phosphorus and 50 kg Potash per hectare.
Pest Management
Home grown coriander develops very quickly and is harvested immediately, avoid dampness to prevent crop rot. Control aphids using appropriate chemical or organic pesticide.
Harvesting of coriander
Coriander plants are ready to be harvested 30th day after planting, having attained 10cm height. Yield range from 8-10 tonnes per hectare.