Cilantro
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Jack
Posted on: June 7, 1999
I planted cilantro a few months ago and it was doing really well - big
leaves - no flowers. I went away on vacation for 10 days and had the
garden watered while away. Came back to discover the plant is thriving,
but has tons of flowers and now, small leaves. My primary use for the
cilantro is in soups, salsas, etc. What do I do to get big leaves
again? Please help. Tonight I just cut off a couple of pieces, took
the flowers off, and chopped up the tiny leaves for salsa. I miss my
big leaves.
Cilantro usually lasts about two weeks before bolting to seed. To lengthen
the time spent in the vegetative stage the plants should be kept cool-
around 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit). I would suggest that
you resow in a cool spot, since germination also needs the above
temperatures.
To not have to keep renewing the plants, you might wish to try Vietnamese
coriander or Mexican coriander. Both of these species can take warmer
temperatures and are a better choice for hot summer days. If you
overwinter them indoors, you also don't have to replace them every year-
or every two weeks!
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