Parsley is a versatile and popular herb that is commonly used in cooking and garnishing dishes. Many gardeners wonder if parsley is still good after it flowers, and the answer is yes! While the appearance of the plant may change when it bolts and produces flowers, the flavor and quality of the leaves are not affected.
When parsley bolts, it means that it has reached its reproductive stage and is producing flowers. This usually occurs in the second year of growth, as parsley is a biennial plant. The flowers of parsley are small and greenish-yellow in color, and they are arranged in clusters called umbels. While some may find the appearance of the flowers to be unattractive, they are actually edible.
The flavor of parsley leaves may become slightly stronger after the plant flowers, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Some people even prefer the taste of parsley leaves that have bolted, as they believe it adds a unique and more intense flavor to their dishes. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can simply harvest the leaves before the plant starts to flower.
One advantage of letting parsley go to seed and flower is that it allows the plant to produce seeds. These seeds can then be collected and used to grow more parsley plants in the following year. Parsley seeds are relatively easy to save and store, and they can remain viable for several years if stored properly. So, by allowing your parsley to flower, you can ensure a continuous supply of fresh parsley in your garden.
It is worth noting that the flowers of parsley contain a lot of pollen. If you have allergies to pollen, it may be best to avoid consuming the flowers. However, for those without allergies, the flowers can be used as a decorative addition to salads or as a garnish for various dishes.
Parsley is still good after it flowers. The flavor of the leaves may become slightly stronger, but this can be a desirable characteristic for many people. Allowing parsley to go to seed and produce flowers not only provides an opportunity to collect seeds for future planting, but it also adds an interesting visual element to your garden. So, embrace the flowers of parsley and enjoy the versatility of this wonderful herb!
