Gardeners' Question Time Waltham Forest: Coriander, Sow-By-Date and Perennials
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Dec 5, 2025 This lively discussion features James Wong, an ethnobotanist known for his botanical insights, horticulturist Matthew Biggs, offering practical plant-care tips, allotment enthusiast Frances Tophill, who shares enthusiastic growing strategies, and seasonal expert Anne Swithinbank, providing winter preparation advice. They dive into the secrets of growing coriander, the importance of sow-by dates, and how perennials can thrive in challenging climates. Plus, Anne highlights essential winter protection strategies for garden plants!
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How To Grow Coriander Successfully
- Sow coriander when soil is warmed and keep it moist and fed to avoid premature bolting.
- Sow in modules or rows and thin seedlings for salads to maximise harvest and self-seeding.
Multi-Sowing To Improve Germination
- Multi-sow coriander seedlings together in modules so they support each other and transplant as a block.
- Sow regularly throughout the year and keep plants moist for repeated cut-and-come-again harvests.
James Wong's Coriander Confession
- James Wong recounts his strong genetic dislike of coriander and contrasts related tropical herbs like culantro and Vietnamese coriander.
- He notes those relatives taste very different and can be grown indoors as tropical perennials.