The Spruce / Kara Riley
Love or hate the taste, cilantro is a popular addition to many cuisines.
Learn more ahead about cilantro bolting.
Why Does Cilantro Bolt?
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Producing seeds means that the species has a chance for another crop.
Want more gardening tips?
If growing cilantro indoors keep the plants around 70 degrees or lower.
Photo courtesy of Yutaka Seki
Control the Sunlight
Cilantro needs only about six hours of bright sunlight.
Select an indoor or outdoor spot that doesn’t receive high-noon heat.
Lighting for indoor pots of cilantro is easily controlled withgrow lights.
If planting outdoors in a hot climate, consider placing the plants where they can receive some afternoon shade.
Too much heat from direct sun can cause the plant to bolt early.
Water Regularly
Plants that receive too much or too little water are placed under stress.
To survive the stress, the plant bolts to produce some seed to extend the species.
Wait two to three weeks between each time you start seeds or plant new cilantro seedlings.
This is called succession planting or planting the same crop several times during the growing season.
Choose Slow-Bolting Cultivars
There are cilantro cultivars that are less prone to bolting.
Look for seedlings or seed packets that are described as bolt-resistant, heat-tolerant, or long-standing.
Three choices are Calypso, Slo Bolt, and ‘Leisure’.
The flowers that form will helpattract much-needed pollinatorsto your garden.
Many plants produce edible seeds after bolting that add flavor to prepared foods.
The most beneficial effect of bolting is the production of seeds that can be saved to grow new plants.
Once cilantro bolts, enjoy the lacy white flowers with the bees and butterflies.
you might dry the seeds on newspaper indoors or use a dehydrator.
Be sure they are completely dry before storing.
Though they are still safe to eat, once cilantro bolts the leaves become tough and bitter.
Once cilantro has fully bolted, there is no need to prune.
The plant can be allowed to go fully to seed or removed and added to the compost pile.
Cilantro.University of Florida Extension.
