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Cilantro · Coriandrum sativum

Why is my cilantro bolting so fast?

Bolting happens when cilantro prematurely flowers and goes to seed, usually due to heat stress or long days. Once the plant starts to flower, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing new foliage.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the plant has a tall central stalk with buds.
  2. Monitor the daily temperature in the plant's area.
  3. Look for bitter flavor in the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. High temperatures

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant suddenly shoots up a tall, thin stalk with tiny white flowers at the top. The leaves may look smaller and more feathery than usual.

    What to do: Move the plant to a cooler area with partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Water more frequently to keep the roots cool.

  2. Day length

    Possible

    How to tell: As days get longer in late spring and summer, the plant naturally triggers its reproductive cycle. This is a normal response to seasonal changes.

    What to do: Plant cilantro in early spring or fall when days are shorter. You can try to provide shade to trick the plant into thinking the days are shorter.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your cilantro

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Once the plant has bolted, you cannot stop the process. It is normal for cilantro to bolt as the weather warms up.

Stopping it coming back

Sow seeds in succession every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure a constant supply of fresh leaves before the heat sets in.

Cilantro: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cilantro and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I eat the flowers?
Yes, the flowers are edible and have a mild, cilantro-like flavor. They look great as a garnish on salads or tacos.
Should I cut the flowers off to stop bolting?
You can pinch off the flower stalks to buy a little more time, but the plant will usually continue trying to bolt. It is often easier to start a new batch of seeds.

More problems with Cilantro

Back to the Cilantro guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.