Love A Sprinkle Of Coriander On Your Favourite Dish? Here's How To Plant It In Summer
Coriander thrives during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, while production dips in summer, despite high demand. It is commonly used to enhance the taste of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is particularly popular in chutneys, salads, and coriander vadas
Coriander is a leafy vegetable widely cultivated across India. Its distinctive aroma and flavourful leaves make it a staple in the daily diet. Coriander thrives during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, while production dips in summer, despite high demand. It is commonly used to enhance the taste of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is particularly popular in chutneys, salads, and coriander vadas. If you are considering planting coriander in summer and aim to maximise production, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
Climate and Soil Type
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Coriander can be cultivated in most climates; however, production is affected in areas with high rainfall. The climate of Maharashtra is favourable for coriander, allowing it to be grown throughout the year. If the temperature exceeds 36 degrees Celsius in summer, its growth slows slightly. Medium-dense and medium-deep soil is considered ideal for coriander. However, with ample organic manure, both light and heavy soils can support good production.
High-Yielding Varieties
To maximise production, selecting good-quality varieties is essential. The following local and improved varieties have been found to yield well: No. 65, T 5365, NPJ 16, V 1, V 2, Ko-1, D-92, D-94, J 214, K 45.
Planting Period and Sowing Method
Coriander is planted during the Kharif, Rabi, and summer seasons. For optimal summer production, planting should be done between April and May. The field should be ploughed, and flat furrows of 3×2 metres should be prepared. Each furrow should be enriched with 8 to 10 kg of decomposed cow dung. The seeds must be processed before sowing. Soaking them in hot water for 12 hours before sowing improves germination. Approximately 60 to 80 kg of seeds are required per hectare.
Fertiliser and Water Management
Applying 35-40 carts of cow dung before sowing enhances the yield. During sowing, 50 kg of mixed fertiliser (15-5-5) should be used. Additionally, 40 kg of nitrogen fertiliser should be applied 20-25 days after sowing. Regular and controlled watering is crucial, especially in summer, to prevent dryness. When watering seedlings, placing grass or sugarcane straw around them helps retain moisture.
Disease and Pest Control
Coriander is generally resistant to major diseases and pests. However, to prevent stem rot, it is advisable to select resistant varieties. A sulphur-containing spray can effectively control brown rot.
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