Fresh Herbs, Cilantro and Basil Going to Seed
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Michelle Williams
Posted on: August 12, 2007

To be honest I happened to look on herbs.com and I noticed your website and decided to take a chance and email you. You seem perfect to ask.

Anyway, I just started for the first time growing basil, cilantro and parsley and I let the basil and cilantro grow a little too much before cutting them down, especially the cilantro and I noticed seeds at the ends. My question is, can I remove those seeds and plant them?

Yes you can plant the seeds once they turn brown. Make sure the temperature is cool or the seeds won’t break dormancy. Also remember the next time you grow cilantro, that if you let it go to seed, it will put all its strength into producing seed and won’t give you a lot of leaves. Never cut off more than one third of the height the plants otherwise they get such a shock, that they may even die. In parsley, harvest the outer leaves, but leave the inner ones to continue to produce food for the plant.

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