How to Grow Vietnamese Coriander

Vietnamese Coriander

Persicaria odorata

herb

Vietnamese coriander is a tender perennial herb with slender, lance-shaped leaves that have a distinctive peppery-cilantro flavor with a slight citrus note. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely used in Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines. The plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; prefers 4-6 hours of daily sunlight, with afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers high humidity and benefits from regular misting in dry conditions

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first harvest

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Rich, moist, well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Aged manure Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 6-9 or indoors elsewhere

10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate and tender

Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from direct sun and wind

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems with elongated, narrow green leaves; leafy growth phase

Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), consistent moisture, and partial shade. Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth

Established Plant

Ongoing throughout growing season

Mature, full plant with dense foliage; ready for regular harvesting

Continue regular harvesting to promote branching and leaf production. Feed with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks

Flowering

Variable; occurs in late season or when plant bolts

Small white, pink, or reddish flowers appear on delicate spikes if plant is not regularly harvested

Pinch off flower buds to maintain leaf quality and encourage continued leaf production. Flowering can reduce leaf flavor

Decline (Cold Season)

Occurs with temperature drop

Plant weakens and dies back in temperatures below 50°F; foliage becomes sparse or yellows

Bring indoors before first frost. In warm zones, mulch heavily or move to shelter. Consider overwintering indoors

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Thai basil Mint Cilantro Dill Parsley Green onions Ginger Lemongrass

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Caraway Dill (can cross-pollinate if both are flowering)

Common Pests

Increase humidity and misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly; ensure good air circulation
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use slug traps; apply diatomaceous earth around base; avoid overwatering
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; spray with sulfur or neem oil; remove infected leaves

Uses

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Asian Cuisine Ingredient

Culinary

Vietnamese coriander is essential in Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, and Laotian cooking. Fresh leaves are used in pho, rice papers, spring rolls, salads, and as a garnish for curries and soups. The peppery-cilantro flavor adds distinctive depth to these dishes. [source]

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Flavor Enhancement

Culinary

Adds a unique peppery, citrusy note to stir-fries, noodle dishes, and fresh rolls. Works well in Asian-inspired salads and as a substitute or complement to cilantro in recipes where a peppery bite is desired. [source]

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Traditional Digestive Aid

Medicinal

Used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine to support digestion and reduce bloating. The herb has mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties valued in folk medicine practices. [source]

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Fresh Herb Storage

Household

Fresh leaves can be dried, frozen in ice cube trays with water or oil, or stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Dried Vietnamese coriander retains its distinctive flavor for several months when stored in an airtight container away from light. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

If allowed to flower, Vietnamese coriander produces delicate flowers that attract small bees and other pollinators. Growing it in a kitchen garden provides nectar for beneficial insects while harvesting leaves. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall by pinching off top 2-3 inches of stems. Harvest regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. Young leaves have the best flavor. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for maximum flavor. Can be harvested year-round in warm climates or indoors

Fun Facts

🌱 Vietnamese coriander is not related to common cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) despite its similar common name; it belongs to the Persicaria genus and has a distinctly different flavor profile with peppery notes
🌱 The plant is called 'rau ram' in Vietnamese, 'phak pai' in Thai, and has over a dozen regional names across Southeast Asia, reflecting its importance in regional cuisines
🌱 Vietnamese coriander is prone to bolting in very hot weather and dry conditions, so it prefers the cooler parts of the growing season and benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates

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