Bolting Coriander

Post date: Mar 31, 2020 1:08:48 PM

It is the end of March in Atlanta and day temperatures have moved up. The coriander that was yielding beautiful large leaves full of fragrance all winter has been sporting wispy thinning leaves on the crown. Much like dill. That is the sign they are going to flower.

The flavors completely change once coriander begins to bolt. The plant’s energies go towards producing flowers and seeds. The leaves are no longer broad and flavorsome. They are somewhat thin and a bit sharp and mildly bitter in taste.

Coriander loves the cold. As the day lengthens and temperatures move up it bolts into flowers. The day length is a trigger for the plant to send out flowers.

How to get a good yield of this fragrant herb?

1. Sow in the Fall. Sometime mid October is ideal for Atlanta when evening temperatures are quite low. The seed germinates well if kept moist. Make sure you get good quality seeds from vendors. Desist from reaching out to the kitchen cabinet. Those seeds may be old!

2. Young plants are up and about before frost hits late November or early December. The plant takes the cold and temps upto 30s. If temps fall below that or if there is snow, the plant needs a fleece cover.

3. Grow in thick patches. The plants remain cool for longer and yield well as the soil remains cool for a longer time.

4. The plant is a cut and comeback wonder. Keep chopping and using the leaves through the winter. The fragrance is beautiful after a cold night has left the oils shining in the leaves.

5. Sow a new batch from early Feb. the new plants will yield some leaves before going to flower. Succession planting will offer some leaves as older plants bolt. But they may remain weak and small. Overwintered coriander grows like a bush!

6. Clip the leaves fully on the sign of thinning leaves at the crown. You can provide the plant some shade to prolong leaf stage. But bolt it will soon.

7. Slow bolting varieties are available to sow. They tend to bolt in April and early May. But they need shade from afternoon sun to thrive.

Green coriander fruits are great to use in the kitchen. So are the flowers. Once the plant is filled with seeds and leaves begin to yellow, harvest and let it dry. Collect the seeds for the next season!