My little herb garden that I planted from seed has really taken off over the last couple of weeks. However this week I noticed that the cilantro and basil were starting to bolt. What that means is that the plants were starting to form a flower on the top. In the picture above you might be able to see the little bunch of white flowers on the cilantro on the left. The basil on the right has little tiny leaves at the top with a little bud.
So what does it mean when an herb bolts or starts to flower?
This means that the plant will no longer produce the usable portion of the herb plant. Essentially it means the plant will go to seed and die.
Can you stop a plant from bolting?
Many times bolting occurs during hot weather. Also, it could occur if the plant has been producing for several months. Since my herbs are still very young, I think they are bolting due to the heat. With basil you can easily pinch off the flowering portion and it will continue to grow. I have read that cilantro does not respond as well. However, I did pinch off those flowers and I am giving it a try!
To keep your herbs growing all summer, it is best to plant new seeds about every three weeks. When the older plants bolt, the newer plants will be ready!
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