How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Vietnamese Coriander
This herb thrives in containers and delivers bold, peppery leaves for aromatic dishes.
Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata), also known as Vietnamese cilantro, rau rÄm, or hot mint, is a heat-loving perennial herb celebrated for its complex, spicy flavor and versatility in Southeast Asian cuisine. This guide covers all the essentials: how to plant, grow, propagate, care for, and use Vietnamese coriander, ensuring a thriving supply of aromatic leaves for your kitchen and garden.
Why Grow Vietnamese Coriander?
If you love cilantro’s flavor but are frustrated by its tendency to bolt or dislike the soapy aftertaste some experience, Vietnamese coriander is an excellent alternative. Its taste is fresh, slightly peppery, and robust, holding up well in hot climates and in cooked dishes. Young leaves are perfect for salads and sandwiches, while mature leaves impart rich flavor to soups and stewsâespecially in traditional dishes like Vietnamese phá» and laksa.
- Ideal cilantro substitute for those who find cilantro too robust or soapy.
- Retains flavor even when cookedâdoes not lose potency like common cilantro.
- Easy to grow and dependable, thriving in heat where cilantro often struggles.
- Produces abundant foliage with minimal maintenance.
- Controls its spread with container growing; great for small spaces and urban gardens.
Plant Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Vietnamese coriander, Vietnamese cilantro, rau rÄm, hot mint, laksa leaf, Praew leaf |
| Scientific Name | Persicaria odorata |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Native Area | Central and South China, East Asia, Malaysia |
| Veteran Gardeners Say | Heat-loving, easy to propagate, grows like mint |
| Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Height | 12â18 inches (30â45 cm) |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-draining |
| Water | Moderate but steady |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA 9â11 (tender perennial; annual outside these zones) |
| Pests & Diseases | Aphids, spider mites (rare and treatable) |
| Maintenance | Low, with occasional pruning |
Planting Vietnamese Coriander
When and Where to Plant
- Climate: Plant after all danger of frost has passed. Best suited to zones 9-11; in other regions, grow in pots to move indoors as temperatures cool.
- Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade will reduce stress and scorching.
- Soil: Use a rich, fertile, well-draining soil. Vietnamese coriander enjoys consistently moist soilânot soggy, but never dry.
How to Plant
- Select your site: Raised beds, garden borders, or containers that receive morning sun with dappled afternoon shade work best.
- Prepare the soil: Amend with compost or well-rotted manure for fertility and drainage.
- Spacing: Plant 6â10 inches apart to allow for vigorous, bushy growth.
- Planting method: Vietnamese coriander is generally propagated from cuttings, as seeds are exceptionally rare. Transplant nursery-grown plants or rooted cuttings at soil level and water thoroughly.
Propagation Methods
Propagation is straightforward, most commonly by stem cuttings. Vietnamese coriander roots readily in water or directly in moist soil.
Steps to Propagate by Cuttings
- Snip a healthy, 4â6 inch non-flowering stem beneath a node (where the leaf joins the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2â3 pairs at the top.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water. Roots should appear within 1â2 weeks.
- Once roots are 1â2 inches long, transplant into potting soil and keep moist until established.
What others are reading
Tip: Some gardeners favor starting cuttings in moist seed-starting mix rather than water. Both methods work well, but rooting in soil can reduce transplant shock.
Caring for Vietnamese Coriander
Watering
Vietnamese coriander prefers even, ample moisture. Water whenever the soil surface feels dry, but do not let the soil become soggy or waterlogged. In hot climates or containers, daily checking is essential.
Fertilizing
- In garden beds: Fertilize once a month with a balanced, organic fertilizer during the growing season.
- In containers: Feed lightly every 4 weeks, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flavor intensity.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Pinch back tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess.
- Harvest frequently. This not only yields leaves for cooking, but also keeps plants compact and prevents flowering, which can cause flavor to decline.
- If flowering occurs, snip off flower spikes promptly to redirect energy toward leaf production.
- In containers or confined spaces, trim side shoots to control spread.
Winter Care
This herb is perennial in frost-free climates but cannot tolerate freezing. In zones cooler than 9, bring plants indoors before the first frost. Place pots in a sunny window or under grow lights and reduce watering during winter dormancy, keeping soil just barely moist.
Growing Vietnamese Coriander in Containers
Container growing is ideal for controlling aggressive spread and extending the growing season in cooler climates. Select a pot at least 8 inches wide with excellent drainage. Always use fresh, quality potting mix and check moisture levels daily during warm weather. Bonus: Containers can be moved for year-round enjoyment indoors and out.
Harvesting Vietnamese Coriander
- Best time to harvest: When plants are at least 6 inches tall and have several mature stems.
- How to harvest: Pinch or snip leaves individually or harvest whole stems just above a leaf node to encourage regrowth. Young, tender leaves have the most complex flavor.
- Harvest frequency: Regular harvesting stimulates bushier growth and prolongs leaf production. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stress.
- Storage: Fresh leaves will keep in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer-term storage, stems can be wrapped in a damp paper towel and refrigerated, or leaves can be frozen or dried (though some flavor is lost).
Culinary Uses
- Staple in Vietnamese cooking, notably in soups (phá»), salads (goi ga), and rice dishes.
- Essential with balut (fertilized duck egg) and other savory street foods in Southeast Asia.
- Adds bold, fresh, peppery notes to salsas, noodle dishes, spring rolls, and even as a garnish on sandwiches and grilled meats.
- Can substitute for cilantro in most recipes. Use sparingly, as flavor is pronounced.
- Holds up to heat: unlike cilantro, it does not lose flavor when cooked.
Recipe Ideas
- Mix chopped Vietnamese coriander into chicken or tofu salad for Southeast Asian flavor.
- Add to stir-fries or as a finishing touch on curries.
- Finely chop and combine with lime and fish sauce for a quick dipping sauce.
- Use in place of cilantro in guacamole for a unique, spicy kick.
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Issue | Prevention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Aphids | Blast with water or spray with insecticidal soap. Inspect undersides of leaves regularly. |
| Spider Mites | Increase humidity, hose off foliage, or use neem oil. Spider mites are a risk in hot, dry interiors. |
| Leaf Yellowing | Usually due to overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Adjust care and fertilize monthly. |
| Bolting or Flowering | Pinch off flowers and harvest more frequently. Container plants are prone to stress, so keep moisture consistent. |
| Legginess | Increase light exposure and pinch stems regularly for fuller, bushier plants. |
Companion Planting and Design Ideas
- Plant Vietnamese coriander alongside moisture-loving companions like basil and mint in garden beds or container arrangements.
- Its trailing, cascading habit makes it an attractive edible for hanging baskets and window boxesâplus, it will help contain its spread.
- Avoid planting directly in the ground in zones where it can be invasive; always use a container if spread is a concern.
Vietnamese Coriander vs. Cilantro vs. Mint
| Characteristic | Vietnamese Coriander | Cilantro | Mint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Persicaria odorata | Coriandrum sativum | Mentha spp. |
| Flavor | Spicy, aromatic, slightly peppery | Citrusy, fresh | Cool, refreshing |
| Heat tolerance | High (loves warmth) | Low (bolts quickly in heat) | Variable |
| Best use | Raw or cooked (retains flavor) | Raw; loses flavor when cooked | Raw and cooked |
| Growth habit | Trailing, spreading | Upright, bushy | Spreading, invasive |
| Hardiness | Tender perennial (zones 9-11) | Annual | Hardy perennial |
| Propagation | Cuttings | Seeds | Cuttings, runners |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does Vietnamese coriander taste like? Is it the same as cilantro?
A: Vietnamese corianderâs flavor is spicy, citrusy, and slightly peppery with a hint of mint and lemon. While it is often used as a cilantro substitute, its flavor is distinctly more robust and withstands heat better, making it ideal for cooked dishes.
Q: Can I grow Vietnamese coriander indoors?
A: Yes, especially in cooler climates. Place pots in a bright window or under grow lights. Keep temperature above 50°F (10°C) and maintain moist soil for healthy growth year-round.
Q: Is Vietnamese coriander invasive?
A: In warm, humid climates, Vietnamese coriander can spread aggressively. Container growing or hanging baskets are recommended to prevent unwanted spreading.
Q: Why is my Vietnamese coriander turning yellow?
A: Yellowing can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Adjust your watering practices and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Q: My plant has stopped producing leaves. What should I do?
A: Prune regularly and remove flower spikes to encourage new, leafy growth. Reduce environmental stress, especially in containers, by providing consistent water and indirect light if indoors.
Vietnamese Coriander Growing Tips
- Start with a cutting from a healthy plant if you cannot find seeds.
- Keep soil consistently moistâneither dry nor soggy.
- Harvest regularly for a continuous supply of tender leaves and bushier growth.
- Protect from frost; bring containers indoors where winters are cold.
- Add to recipes in place of cilantro or mint for a bolder, spicy flavor.
With a little care and regular harvesting, Vietnamese coriander will thrive and become a staple in both your kitchen and your garden, offering rich flavor and lush, trailing foliage from spring through fall and, with a little protection, year-round indoors.
References
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