How to look after sage and coriander.

[Frana]

Hi All,

I don't usually grow herbs, but picked up some sage and coriander plants the other day.

Off to the plot this weekend so any hints and tips on how I should look after them, will they be permanent, where should I plant them etc.

Please help!

[Capsid]

Sage doesn't need special conditions. I grow about 5 plants in a flower border for its flowers which attracts lots of bees. I think it isn't used enough as a flowering perennial.

Coriander should be sown direct preferably as it tends to bolt, especially in full sun, so try and find a shady spot for it. The coriander isn't perennial and successional sowing is advised to maintain a supply through the summer.

[teakdesk]

Agree with Capsid.

I grow coriander in pots and it dries out much quicker than other plants. I like to rotate a pot into the kitchen weekly for use in curries then back outside to grow a bit more.

[Flummery]

Sage really looks after itself. I find it necessary to give it a good Spring haircut every couple of years too, or it goes mad.

Coriander is annual. However, if it does go to seed, I'm one of those strange people who prefer the seeds to the leaves (which I think smell like old ladies' handbags! - I'm 60 - I'm allowed to say that!)

[coreopsis]

Sage really looks after itself. I find it necessary to give it a good Spring haircut every couple of years too, or it goes mad.

Coriander is annual. However, if it does go to seed, I'm one of those strange people who prefer the seeds to the leaves (which I think smell like old ladies' handbags! - I'm 60 - I'm allowed to say that!)

You're not the exception.I absolutely hate coriander leaf,to me it has sooo horrible taste.As much as I hate coriander leaf,I love ground coriander.It's lovely with pork.

[tootles]

Are your plants from a garden centre/nursery or a supermarket??
The supermarkets tend to overcrowd the pots to make the plants seem lush and healthy. This means that they can't really thrive. You will need to either repot or split the plants. I would assume that those from a garden centre would be ok though (?).

My sage is in a rockery outside, and very happy.

(I hate coriander leaf too.)

[Eco-Chic]

Lol, I'm here to defend the coriander leaf! I bought a pot yesterday and have been nibbling it all morning. There may not be enough left to make it worthwhile to plant out

[hmk]

I've taught myself to like coriander leaf! I used to think it tasted like petrol smelt (yes, I know, but I know what I mean!) but I read that people often dislike it at first but like it more the more they eat it, and sure enough....
I'm growing it from seed for the first time this year- first true leaves just appearing, so fingers crossed.
My sage in the garden came from a supermarket pot. I split the seedlings in the tub up, and potted them on individually. Not all made it, but I have a couple of decent sized shrubs in the garden now. Sage is originally a mediterranean plant, I think, but it copes fine with my heavy clay and no special attention from me.

HMK

[sylviajanek]

HI
I want to know do corriander or sage deter any insects in a combination planting style garden?
sylviajanek

[HayleyB]

I love coriander but then I do make a lot of indian and chinese foods and salsas for mexican, it's so useful and throws in that fresh hit.

I hacked back my sage a few week ago in a pot and new growth is coming through, cut it back hard this time. In pots they don't like it completely dry they enjoy a good douse every now and then.

Thought I'd hacked my mint into oblivion, but whooppee little leaves a sprouting back

[rana]

Like you HayleyB I love coriander in asian food.

When sowing lettuce I also throw in some coriander seeds so each time I crop a handfull of salad leaves there is that lovely hint of coriander.

[Mchanen]

I love both coriander leaf and seeds

I think corinder is quite good for companion planting: -
CORIANDER: Repels aphids, spider mites and potato beetle. A tea from this can be used as a spray for spider mites. A partner for anise.

I always water my herbs from below as when i have watered them from above i killed them off- think it's called dampening off.

See this link for more info on companion planting: -
Companion Planting

[Capsid]

My sage is already in bud!

[Ader1]

How big a pot is need for Coriander? When is it ready to be picked? What I am really after I suppose are the roots which I can't get around here and are required for many Thai dishes.....which I like. ;-) Thanks.

[rana]

Hi Ader1 : I grow coriander for leaf in 6" deep troughs. For good roots which have a yet more intense flavour I've found they are better in the ground even though they tend to go to seed quickly.