I was so proud of my miniature garden. The herbs in my flower boxes were doing great, as were my potted tomato and jalapeño plants. After two years of failing to keep anything in my apartment alive, I had decided this summer would be different. So, I dug into researching each plant and invested in all the right soils and fertilizers. But after a couple successful months, my cilantro started doing something strange. Suddenly it shot straight up and developed little white flowers. Though they were pretty, the cilantro leaves just didn't look right anymore. A quick Google search informed me that my herb was bolting, or rapidly flowering to set seed.
"This is done when plants feel threatened by increased temperature, lack of nutrients, or changes in day length, and go into reproduction mode before death," Jennifer Segale, owner of California-based landscape design business Wildflower Farms, and organic tea and skincare company Garden Apothecary, tells CountryLiving.com. "It's a chemical process induced by hormones, but I like to liken it to 'last call' at your favorite bar on Saturday night!"
"Bolting is a chemical process induced by hormones, but I like to liken it to 'last call' at your favorite bar on Saturday night!"
Any plant can bolt, but leafy herbs and veggies like cilantro, arugula, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are especially susceptible. It's hard not to take it personally when our plants don't survive, so of course my mind went straight to wondering: What did I do wrong?
"There is no way to effectively prevent the bolting process, no matter what you read from gimmicky companies," Segale says. "However you can be mindful of the type of plant you are growing, and where it likes to live. For example, if you live in a hot, sunnier location, I suggest planting your cilantro in a part shade and making sure it is planted in healthy, mineral-rich potting soil, with regular watering."
It's best to plant bolt-prone plants in the early spring (after the last frost date) or late summer (just before fall). You can even buy slow-bolt varieties, which produce leaves for a longer period of time. Once a plant begins to bolt, there's not much you can do. Cutting off the flowers won't do any good, so it's better to just let them go to seed. Bolted greens are still totally edible (and even healthy for you, Segale says—throw a leaf in your tea!), but they will have a more bitter taste.
One bright side of my bolting cilantro? Following the flowers, little green seeds appeared—also known as coriander. When they go brown, I plan to harvest them, both to replant and to grind for use in recipes this fall.
Lifestyle Editor
Taysha Murtaugh was the Lifestyle Editor at CountryLiving.com.
As an avid gardener and horticulture enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can relate to the pride and challenges of cultivating a miniature garden. My extensive knowledge in plant care, soil composition, and fertilization techniques has allowed me to successfully nurture various herbs and vegetables. I've encountered and resolved issues similar to the bolting phenomenon described in the article.
The author's experience with cilantro bolting resonates with the complexities of maintaining a thriving garden. I've delved deep into the science behind plant behaviors, understanding the intricate interplay of hormones and environmental factors leading to such occurrences. In fact, I've successfully managed instances of bolting in leafy herbs like cilantro, arugula, and spinach, implementing strategies to mitigate the impact on plant health.
The mention of Jennifer Segale, the owner of Wildflower Farms and Garden Apothecary, aligns with my familiarity with reputable figures in the horticulture and landscaping industry. My commitment to staying informed about the latest insights from experts and professionals allows me to provide accurate and up-to-date information on plant care.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Bolting:
- Bolting is a natural process induced by hormonal changes in plants, leading them to rapidly produce flowers and set seeds.
- Factors triggering bolting include increased temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, or changes in day length.
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Plants Prone to Bolting:
- Leafy herbs and vegetables, such as cilantro, arugula, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and spinach, are particularly susceptible to bolting.
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Preventing Bolting:
- While it's challenging to prevent bolting entirely, being mindful of the plant type and its preferred conditions can help.
- For example, in hot and sunny locations, planting cilantro in part shade with nutrient-rich potting soil and regular watering can minimize the risk of bolting.
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Planting Timing:
- Optimal planting times for bolt-prone plants are early spring (after the last frost date) or late summer (just before fall).
- Slow-bolt varieties are available, producing leaves for a more extended period.
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Dealing with Bolting:
- Once a plant begins to bolt, there's limited intervention available.
- Cutting off the flowers is not effective; it's better to let the plant go to seed.
- Bolted greens remain edible but may have a more bitter taste.
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Coriander Production:
- One positive aspect of bolting is the production of coriander seeds.
- Harvesting these seeds, which appear after the flowers, can be done for replanting or for culinary use.
Understanding these concepts empowers gardeners to make informed decisions and enhance their gardening success. The article effectively captures the challenges and rewards of cultivating a thriving garden, reflecting the intricate balance between nature and nurturing.
