Cilantro, a versatile herb, can be a wonderful addition to any garden. One of its interesting characteristics is its ability to reseed itself in many zones. This means that, if you let the cilantro plant go to seed, it will likely regrow for you next year without much effort on your part.
When cilantro reaches a certain stage in its growth, it begins to bolt. Bolting refers to the process where the plant starts producing a tall flower stalk and eventually goes to seed. Some gardeners may see this as the end of the cilantro’s productive life and choose to remove the plant. However, if you allow the cilantro to go to seed, you can enjoy its benefits for the next growing season.
By letting the cilantro plant go to seed, you are essentially giving it the opportunity to reproduce itself. The flowers will attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which will help in the fertilization process. Once the flowers are pollinated, they will produce seeds that can be collected and used as coriander in your cooking.
If you choose to collect the cilantro seeds, it’s best to wait until the flowers have dried up and turned brown. At this point, the seeds will be mature and ready for harvest. Simply cut off the flower stalks and place them in a paper bag. Allow the stalks to dry further in a cool, dry place for a few weeks. Once the seeds have fully dried, you can shake the bag to release them. Store the collected seeds in airtight containers for future use.
Letting cilantro go to seed also has its benefits for the garden ecosystem. The flowers attract beneficial insects, which can help with pollination in other nearby plants. Additionally, the seeds that fall to the ground can serve as a natural source of food for birds and other small animals.
However, it’s important to note that once cilantro goes to seed, the leaves may become less flavorful and more bitter. This is because the plant’s energy is focused on producing seeds rather than leaf growth. If you primarily grow cilantro for its leaves, you may want to harvest it before it reaches the bolting stage to ensure the best flavor.
Whether or not you should let cilantro go to seed depends on your gardening preferences and goals. If you enjoy the convenience of cilantro reseeding itself and are interested in collecting coriander seeds, allowing the plant to go to seed can be a rewarding choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize the flavor of the cilantro leaves, harvesting the plant before it bolts may be more suitable for you.
