How to Grow Dhaniya in India | Growing Coriander At Home

Being one of the most used herbs in Indian dishes, if you know How to Grow Dhaniya the right way, you can have its fresh supply year-round!

The botanical name of Dhaniya or coriander is Coriandrum sativum. It is an annual aromatic herb with edible leaves and stems. Its seeds are used in many Indian dishes. Coriander powder is also a famous spice, without which no Indian vegetable, chutney, or stew preparation is complete. Apart from this, the dhaniya leaves are a favorite garnish of Indians! Let’s see How to Grow Dhaniya easily in pots!

Common Names: Coriander, Chinese Parsley, Cilantro, Dhaniya, Dhana, Kothmir, Kotthu malli, Phadigom, Kothimbira, Dhane, Kottimira, Kattambari, Malli

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Dhaniya Cultivation in India

Although the plants are native to Iran, Dhaniya has been widely naturalized in the country to a level that India now happens to be the largest producer of coriander in the world! Most Dhaniya production comes from central and north Indian states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Rajasthan alone produces around 58% of the total dhaniya in the country. Assam is also a significant producer of dhaniya.

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How to Grow Dhaniya

This section will give you step-by-step instructions on How to Grow Dhaniya Plant at Home!

Propagation

Growing dhaniya in pots is not very difficult. It is pretty easy to propagate Dhaniya plants from seeds. You just have to crush the seeds lightly so that they split into halves. You can then sow Dhaniya seeds directly into a pot.

However, if you wish for faster growth, you can try mixing the split dhaniya seeds into vermicompost or cow dung and tie them in a damp cloth until you start to see the roots growing. Now transplant dhaniya seeds into the desired container.

Sowing

When sowing the dhaniya seeds directly in pots, it is important to provide proper spacing. For optimum growth, place your plants at least 3-4 inches away from each other. If you are growing dhaniya plants from the seedlings, spread them evenly throughout the pot.

Also Read: Lockdown Vegetable Garden in India

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Requirements for Growing Dhaniya

Choosing the Pot for Dhaniya

When growing for domestic use, it is best to plant dhaniya in pots. As it becomes easier to care for it. Choose a container that is wide and deep. A pot with 18-20 inches width and 10-12 inches height should be ideal.

Best Soil for Dhaniya

Soil with a crumbly texture and rich in organic matter can benefit the growth of the dhaniya plant. You can also provide cow manure, which will help in the proper supply of nitrogen and other vital elements for better growth of the dhaniya plant.

Location for Dhaniya

Keep your dhaniya plant in full sun, as it requires plenty of light for growth. Do remember to move the container to the shade when the temperature increases during the summer, especially in the afternoon. All this promotes the best growth of the dhaniya plant.

Watering Dhaniya

Dhaniya grows well in evenly moist soil. Make sure that you do not wet the foliage of the plant, as it’s susceptible to the disease, like powdery mildew.

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Dhaniya Plant Care

Fertilizing Dhaniya

Dhaniya plants will not require much fertilization if you give them proper doses of cow manure or compost. Also, provide your dhaniya plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage the growth of the foliage at least twice every month.

Deadheading Dhaniya

Deadhead dhaniya plants regularly. Keep a check on the flowers of dhaniya and remove them to promote the growth of leaves. However, you can let the flowers be if you wish for the plant to seed.

Bolting Dhaniya

Another problem with the dhaniya plant is bolting. It means dhaniya will seed earlier in warm weather, after which the plant dies. You can save your dhaniya plant by pinching the top off, as it can slow down the process of seeding.

The best way to solve this problem is by planting seeds weekly for a regular supply of dhaniya.

Diseases and Pests of Dhaniya

The Dhaniya plant is easily affected by mildew, especially in hot weather. Provide dhaniya with proper air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage to keep them safe from it. Common pests like aphids may also affect your plant.

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Harvesting Dhaniya

You can start harvesting dhaniya leaves once they reach a height of around 3-6 inches, which is about 3-4 weeks after sowing the seeds. If you are growing dhaniya from sprouts, you can harvest the leaves within 18-20 days of planting it.

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Health Benefits of Dhaniya

Rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals, dhaniya makes a great addition to your diet and helps you stay fit. Here are some of the incredible health benefits of the dhaniya plant.

• Dhaniya lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
• According to this research, dhaniya keeps your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Dhaniya is good for brain health, and consuming its leaves results in better memory and relief from anxiety.
• Dhaniya also promotes good digestive and gut-healthy with its anti-inflammatory properties. It provides relief from abdominal pain and bloating.