Growing Vietnamese Coriander: A Bold Herb with a Taste of Home
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One of my favorite herbs is Vietnamese coriander — not just for its unique flavor, but for the memories it brings. Known as “rau ram” in Vietnamese, this herb was a staple in my mother’s backyard garden. We’d eat it raw, adding it to soups and salads for that unmistakable zing that defines so much of Vietnamese cuisine.
Also called Vietnamese cilantro, Cambodian mint, or laksa leaves, rau ram is beloved across Southeast Asia. It’s not very common in Filipino cooking, but once you acquire the taste, it’s hard to forget. I used to dislike it as a child — its pungent, lemony scent was overwhelming. But over time, I grew to love it. If you enjoy coriander, this herb offers a bold, refreshing twist.
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1. Grow It in the Tropics — It Loves the Heat
Vietnamese coriander thrives in warm, humid climates.
You’ll need:
- A sunny or partially shaded spot
- Tropical or lowland conditions
Tips:
- Perfect for Philippine weather — no need for special care.
- Can be grown outdoors or indoors near a bright window.
- Avoid cold or dry environments.
Lesson: This herb feels right at home in tropical gardens.
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2. Keep the Soil Moist — Always
This plant wilts quickly when thirsty.
You’ll need:
- A watering can or misting spray
- Moisture-retentive potting mix
Tips:
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Use mulch to help retain moisture in outdoor setups.
Lesson: A hydrated rau ram is a happy rau ram.
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3. Propagate from Cuttings
No need to start from seed — cuttings work best.
You’ll need:
- Healthy stems with 3–4 nodes
- Small pots or propagation trays
Tips:
- Snip a stem and place it in water or moist soil.
- Roots will form in about a week.
- Transplant to a larger pot once established.
Lesson: One plant can easily become many.
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4. Trim Regularly for a Bushy Plant
Frequent trimming encourages lush growth.
You’ll need:
- Clean scissors or garden shears
Tips:
- Pinch or cut back the tips regularly.
- Harvest often to prevent legginess.
- Use trimmings in your next soup or salad.
Lesson: The more you harvest, the more it grows.
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5. Give It Space — It Can Be Invasive
This herb loves to take over.
You’ll need:
- A dedicated pot or garden bed
- Caution when planting with other herbs
Tips:
- Don’t plant it with slow growers like rosemary.
- It spreads fast and can crowd out other plants.
- Use containers to keep it in check.
Lesson: Treat it like mint — give it room to roam, but set boundaries.
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Wrap-Up: A Bold Herb with a Story to Tell
Vietnamese coriander isn’t just a flavorful herb — it’s a memory, a tradition, and a conversation starter. Whether you’re growing it for culinary adventures or nostalgic comfort, rau ram is a resilient, rewarding addition to any tropical garden.
Have you tried growing rau ram at home? Tag @UrbanGardeningMom and share your experience — let’s celebrate the herbs that connect us to our roots.