How To Collect Seeds From Cilantro Plant

You can collect seeds from a cilantro plant by letting the plant bolt and flower, then waiting for the flowers to turn into seed heads.
 
Those seeds are actually coriander, and they’re incredibly easy to harvest once you know what you’re looking for.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant, the good news is that it takes very little effort.
 
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that naturally bolts in warm weather, which means it produces seeds quickly.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant, from letting it flower to storing your harvest properly.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Collect Seeds From a Cilantro Plant

Knowing how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant starts with understanding the plant’s natural life cycle.
 
Here’s what you need to know at each stage.
 

1. Let Your Cilantro Bolt Naturally

The first step in how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant is simply letting it bolt.
 
Bolting means the plant sends up a tall stalk and stops producing leaves.
 
This happens when temperatures rise above 75°F, or when the plant reaches maturity.
 
Many gardeners panic when their cilantro bolts, but if you want seeds, this is exactly what you want.
 
So resist the urge to pull the plant, and let that flower stalk grow tall.
 

2. Watch for Flowers to Appear

Once your cilantro plant bolts, small white or pinkish flowers will appear at the top of the stalk.
 
These tiny flowers are where the seeds will form, so this stage matters when you collect seeds from a cilantro plant.
 
The flowers attract pollinators like bees and beneficial wasps, which help the seeds develop.
 
You don’t need to do anything special here, just let nature take its course.
 
Within a week or two, those flowers will start to fade and dry up.
 

3. Wait for the Seed Heads to Turn Brown

After the flowers fade, small green seed pods will form in clusters.
 
These clusters are called seed heads, and they’re the key to how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant.
 
At first, the seeds are green and tightly packed together, which means they’re not ready yet.
 
You’ll need to wait until the seed heads turn brown and dry before you harvest them.
 
This usually takes another two to three weeks after the flowers drop.
 
If you pick too early, the seeds won’t be viable for planting next season.
 

When and How to Harvest Cilantro Seeds

Timing is everything when you want to collect seeds from a cilantro plant.
 
Here’s how to time your harvest and grab the seeds before they scatter.
 

1. Check for Brown, Dry Seeds

The best time to collect seeds from a cilantro plant is when the seeds are fully brown and dry.
 
You can gently rub a seed head between your fingers to check if the seeds come loose easily.
 
If they do, they’re ready to harvest.
 
If they still feel green or damp, give them a few more days.
 

2. Cut the Seed Heads Before They Shatter

Cilantro seeds shatter easily, meaning they drop to the ground once they’re fully dry.
 
To avoid losing your seeds, cut the seed heads off the plant as soon as they turn brown.
 
Use a pair of garden scissors or pruners to snip the stalk just below the seed head.
 
This is arguably the most important tip when you collect seeds from a cilantro plant, because timing this right saves your whole harvest.
 

3. Place Seed Heads in a Paper Bag

After cutting the seed heads, place them upside down in a paper bag.
 
The bag catches any seeds that fall as the seed heads continue to dry.
 
Leave the bag in a warm, dry spot for about one to two weeks.
 
This method makes it super easy to collect seeds from a cilantro plant, because you don’t lose any to the soil.
 

4. Shake the Bag to Release the Seeds

Once the seed heads are completely dry, give the bag a good shake.
 
The seeds will separate from the stems and fall to the bottom of the bag.
 
You can also rub the seed heads between your hands to loosen any stubborn seeds.
 
This step is where all your patience pays off when you collect seeds from a cilantro plant.
 

Storing the Seeds You Collect From a Cilantro Plant

Once you collect seeds from a cilantro plant, proper storage keeps them viable for years.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Separate Seeds From Chaff

Pick out any stems, dried flowers, or debris from your seeds.
 
You can use a fine mesh strainer or simply pick through them by hand.
 
Clean seeds store better and are easier to plant later.
 

2. Let Seeds Dry Completely

Before storing, spread your cilantro seeds on a paper towel for a few more days.
 
They need to be bone-dry to prevent mold during storage.
 
If you skip this step, your seeds may rot instead of staying viable.
 

3. Store in an Airtight Container

Place your dried seeds in an airtight jar or envelope, and keep them in a cool, dark spot.
 
Label the container with the date so you know how fresh they are.
 
Stored this way, the seeds you collect from a cilantro plant will stay good for up to three years.
 

4. Use Them for Planting or Cooking

Remember, the seeds you collect from a cilantro plant are coriander.
 
You can plant them next season to grow fresh cilantro, or grind them up for cooking.
 
Either way, you’re getting double the value from one plant.
 

So, How Do You Collect Seeds From a Cilantro Plant?

You collect seeds from a cilantro plant by letting it bolt, waiting for the flowers to fade and the seed heads to turn brown, then harvesting before the seeds scatter.
 
Once harvested, dry the seeds thoroughly and store them in an airtight container for planting or cooking.
 
The whole process is simple, rewarding, and costs you nothing but a little patience.
 
Now you know exactly how to collect seeds from a cilantro plant, so you’ll never have to buy coriander seeds again.