How To Get Seeds From Cilantro Flowers

You can get seeds from cilantro flowers by letting the plant bolt and flower, then waiting for those flowers to dry and turn brown.
 
Each tiny flower produces a seed, and those seeds are what we call coriander.
 
So yes, getting seeds from cilantro flowers is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to get seeds from cilantro flowers, the good news is it’s incredibly easy and almost hands-off.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to harvest seeds from cilantro flowers, when to do it, and how to store them for next season.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Get Seeds From Cilantro Flowers

Getting seeds from cilantro flowers starts with letting your cilantro do what it naturally wants to do, which is bolt.
 
Bolting is when cilantro stops producing leaves and sends up a tall stalk that flowers.
 
This happens fast in warm weather, sometimes within weeks of planting.
 
And while bolting means fewer leaves for your tacos, it’s actually the first step in how to get seeds from cilantro flowers.
 
Here’s how the process works:
 

1. Let the Cilantro Bolt Naturally

The first step in getting seeds from cilantro flowers is simply letting the plant bolt.
 
Don’t fight it by pinching off the flower stalks, because those stalks are exactly where the seeds will come from.
 
Once cilantro flowers appear, tiny white or pale pink blooms will cover the tops of the stems.
 
That’s your signal that seed production is underway.
 

2. Wait for the Flowers to Turn Brown

After the cilantro flowers bloom, they’ll slowly dry out and turn brown.
 
This is when the seeds inside are maturing.
 
If you pick too early, the seeds from cilantro flowers won’t be viable.
 
So patience is key when you want to get seeds from cilantro flowers properly.
 

3. Watch for the Seeds to Form

Once the flowers fade, small round seed pods will develop along the stems.
 
These pods start green and slowly shift to a tan or light brown color.
 
Each pod holds two seeds, which is why cilantro seeds are technically a dried fruit called a schizocarp.
 
Getting seeds from cilantro flowers means keeping an eye on these pods as they darken.
 

When to Harvest Seeds From Cilantro Flowers

Timing is everything when you’re harvesting seeds from cilantro flowers.
 
Pick too soon and the seeds won’t sprout next season.
 
Wait too long and the seeds will fall to the ground before you can collect them.
 
Here are the signs that it’s time to harvest:
 

1. The Seeds Turn Brown and Dry

The clearest sign it’s time to collect seeds from cilantro flowers is color.
 
When the seed pods shift from green to brown and feel dry to the touch, they’re ready.
 
If they still feel soft or green, give them a few more days.
 

2. The Stems Start to Wither

As the plant finishes its life cycle, the stems holding the cilantro flowers will dry out and turn brown too.
 
This is a great indicator that the seeds are mature.
 
You can harvest seeds from cilantro flowers at this stage without worrying about them being underdeveloped.
 

3. Before the Pods Split Open

The trickiest part of getting seeds from cilantro flowers is catching them before the pods split.
 
Once the pods are fully dry, they’ll crack open and drop seeds onto the soil.
 
So check your plants daily once the pods start browning.
 

How to Collect and Store Seeds From Cilantro Flowers

Once the timing is right, collecting seeds from cilantro flowers is quick and satisfying.
 
Here’s how to do it:
 

1. Snip the Seed Heads

Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the brown seed heads off the plant.
 
Leave a few inches of stem attached so you have something to hold.
 
Hold a paper bag or bowl underneath as you cut, because seeds from cilantro flowers can scatter easily.
 

2. Let Them Dry Indoors

Lay the cut stems on a paper towel or hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated spot.
 
Let them dry for about a week.
 
This extra drying time ensures the seeds from cilantro flowers are fully cured and ready for storage.
 

3. Separate the Seeds

Once dry, gently rub the seed heads between your fingers over a bowl.
 
The seeds will fall away from the chaff.
 
You can also shake them in a strainer to separate the seeds from any dried flower debris.
 

4. Store Them Properly

Place your cilantro seeds in a small paper envelope or glass jar with a tight lid.
 
Label it with the date so you know how fresh they are.
 
Store in a cool, dark, dry place, and your seeds from cilantro flowers will stay viable for up to three years.
 

So, How Do You Get Seeds From Cilantro Flowers?

You get seeds from cilantro flowers by letting the plant bolt, waiting for the flowers to dry and turn brown, then harvesting the seed pods before they split open.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with coriander seeds you can use in cooking or plant again next season.
 
Just remember to let the cilantro flower fully, dry the seeds completely, and store them somewhere cool and dark.
 
Now you know exactly how to get seeds from cilantro flowers, so go ahead and let that cilantro bloom.