How to Grow Vietnamese Coriander
Persicaria odorata
Vietnamese Coriander is a tender trailing perennial from Southeast Asia, grown for its peppery, coriander-like leaves. Unlike true coriander it never bolts, making it a reliable year-round leaf herb. It thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist soil, the opposite of most Mediterranean herbs. In the UK, grow in a pot on a shaded windowsill, in a conservatory, or outdoors in summer only. Bring indoors before the first frost. Propagates effortlessly from stem cuttings placed in water. Look for the distinctive dark chevron markings on each pointed leaf.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Light liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Responds well to nitrogen-rich feeds for lush leaf growth.
Watch For
- Aphids
- Whitefly
- Root rot (from waterlogged soil in winter)
Companions
Lemongrass, Basil, Chilli
Care Requirements
Light
Partial to full shade; avoid direct sun
Prefers partial to full shade. Direct sun, especially in summer, scorches leaves and reduces flavour. A north-facing windowsill or shaded patio is ideal. Tolerates low light better than almost any culinary herb.
Watering
Keep very moist; tolerates standing water
Keep soil consistently moist to wet. This is a semi-aquatic plant in the wild and thrives with its roots near water. Can even grow in standing water. Never allow to dry out completely.
Fertilizing
Light nitrogen feed every 2-3 weeks in summer
Light liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth. Responds well to nitrogen-rich feeds which promote lush leaf production. Ease off in winter when growth slows.
Pruning
Trim regularly; hard cut in spring
Trim trailing stems regularly to encourage bushier growth. Pinch out growing tips to prevent legginess. Cut back hard in spring to refresh the plant for the new season.
Harvesting
Pick young tips regularly; use fresh
Pick leaves from the growing tips as needed. Best flavour on young, tender growth. Regular harvesting encourages more branching and leaf production. Use fresh; does not dry well.
Growing Tips
Keep constantly moist
Stands in water or very moist compost suit this plant perfectly. Never let it dry out.
Shade lover
Unlike most herbs, Vietnamese coriander prefers shade. Direct sun scorches the leaves and reduces flavour.
Propagate from cuttings
Place stem cuttings in a glass of water. Roots appear within days. Pot up once roots are 3-5 cm long.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Trailing, spreading habit via runners. Grows well in containers or near water features. Contains spread by growing in pots.
