Rabi Crop · Apiaceae Family

Coriander

Coriander is a short-duration, cool-season herb grown across India primarily as a Rabi crop. It is cultivated for green leaves, dry seeds, and essential oil extraction. The crop has a total field duration of 90–120 days with green leaf cuttings beginning from 30–40 days after sowing.

  • First harvest: 30–40 days (green leaves)
  • Primary season: Rabi; limited Kharif in MP and TN
  • Optimal temp: 17–27°C
  • 4–8 qtl per acre (seed) / 150–200 qtl per acre (green leaves)

17–27°C

Ideal temp

Well-drained loam or sandy loam

Best soil

30–40 days (green leaves)

First harvest

90–120 days

Total duration

4–8 qtl seed / 150–200 qtl leaves

Yield/acre

Mid Oct–Mid Nov (17–25°C)

Rabi sowing

Jun–Sept (MP, TN only)

Kharif sowing

Crop life cycle

Coriander completes five growth stages from germination to the end of the seed harvest period. Total crop duration is 90 to 120 days.

  1. Germination

    Day 7–10

  2. Vegetative growth

    Day 20–30

  3. Flowering

    Day 45–60

  4. Seed formation

    Day 70–90

  5. Harvest

    Day 90–120

Key characteristics

Basic agronomic and physical characteristics of the Coriander crop.

Plant type

Erect branching herb

Leaf colour

Bright green, deeply divided

Seed colour

Yellowish brown, round

Dual use

Green leaves and dry seed

Water need

Light irrigation at 8–10 day intervals

Temperature

17–27°C optimal growth

Popular varieties

Variety selection depends on cropping season, soil type, and target market. Hybrid varieties generally produce higher and more uniform yields. Open pollinated varieties have lower seed cost.

RCr 41

Open Pollinated

Medium duration, high seed yield, resistant to wilt; widely recommended for Rajasthan and North India

RCr 446 (Karan)

Open Pollinated

Early maturing, tolerant to wilt and powdery mildew; suitable for Rabi season across North India

Pant Haritima

Open Pollinated

Dual purpose for green leaf and seed; high leaf yield; suitable for UP and North India plains

Gujarat Coriander 2 (GC 2)

Open Pollinated

Tall semi-spreading, bold seeds, tolerant to wilt and powdery mildew; yield 5.8 qtl/acre

Rajendra Swati

Open Pollinated

High yield, fine seeded, rich in essential oil, resistant to stem gall; suitable for intercropping

CO 3

Open Pollinated

Dual purpose, medium grain, high essential oil; TNAU release; matures in 103 days

Income potential

Indicative figures for one acre under standard management conditions. Actual returns vary with season, variety, and market access.

4–8 qtl

Yield per acre

150–200 qtl

Gross income/acre

Rs. 0.8–1.4L

Time to first harvest

Key challenges

Common pests, diseases, and management issues in coriander cultivation. Early identification and timely management help reduce crop loss.

Powdery mildew

White powdery spots on leaves and stems; can cause up to 15–20% crop loss. Sow in October and use resistant varieties. Apply soluble sulphur 0.2% or Karathane at 10–15 day intervals for three applications.

Wilt

Plants wilt and dry from top downward; caused by Fusarium oxysporum; severe cases 50–100% loss. Use resistant varieties like RCr 41, Karan, and Pant Haritima. Treat soil before sowing.

Aphids

Coriander aphid is the major insect pest; causes yellowing, curling, and stunted growth. Spray Imidacloprid 17.8% SL or 70% WG at first sign. Monitor from vegetative stage onwards.

Stem gall

Irregular galls on stems and branches; caused by Protomyces macrosporus. Use resistant varieties like Rajendra Swati. Remove and destroy infected plant material immediately.

Waterlogging

Coriander is highly sensitive to excess moisture. Sow on well-drained raised beds. Avoid heavy irrigation at germination and early vegetative stage.

Where it grows well in India

Coriander is grown commercially across a range of agro-climatic zones in India.

  • Rajasthan
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Gujarat
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Karnataka
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Bihar
  • Punjab
  • Haryana

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