How to plant and care for Vietnamese Coriander

Persicaria odorata

🌿 Herb 🔁 Perennial

A tender perennial with a hot, coriander-like flavour that never bolts — ideal for Asian dishes. Keep it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter.

At a glance: harvest from late May.

When to plant and care for it

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plant

Harvest

Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.

Late April – mid June · 2 weeks after the last spring frost
Plant
Plant at the same depth as in its pot, 30 cm apart, in a sunny, sheltered spot. Firm in.
0–1 days after “Plant” · Late April
Water In
Water well, then keep just moist while it settles in.
30–51 days after “Water In” · Late May – mid June
First Light Harvest
Once it is growing strongly, snip a few sprigs — never more than a third of the plant at once.

April
Cut Back Leggy Stems
Cut straggly stems back by half to make it bushy (root the cuttings in water).
June
Move Outside
Stand the pot outside in a warm, part-shaded spot once nights are mild.
September
Bring Indoors
Bring indoors before the first frost; keep on a bright windowsill.