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You can harvest cilantro that has flowered by snipping the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds, because the plant is still usable even after bolting.
Many gardeners think flowering ruins cilantro forever, but that’s not true at all.
When cilantro bolts, it simply means the plant is rushing to produce seeds before the weather gets too hot.
The good news is that you can still harvest cilantro after it has flowered, and you’ll just need to adjust how you use it.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to harvest cilantro that has flowered, what changes in flavor you should expect, and how to make the most of every part of the plant.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Can Still Harvest Cilantro That Has Flowered
Yes, you can harvest cilantro that has flowered, and here’s why it still works:
1. The Leaves Are Still Edible
The leaves on a flowering cilantro plant are still perfectly edible.
They may turn a bit lacy and fern-like rather than broad and flat, but they still carry that familiar cilantro taste.
When you harvest cilantro that has flowered, you’ll notice the leaves are smaller and sometimes a little tougher, but they work fine in cooked dishes.
2. The Stems Hold Plenty of Flavor
The stems of a bolted cilantro plant are actually packed with flavor.
Many people toss the stems, but when cilantro has flowered, the stems become one of the best parts to harvest.
You can chop them finely and add them to soups, stews, or salsas just like you would with the leaves.
3. The Flowers Are a Bonus
The delicate white flowers that appear when cilantro has flowered are completely edible.
They have a mild cilantro flavor and make a beautiful garnish for salads, tacos, and grilled meats.
So when you harvest cilantro that has flowered, don’t skip the flowers.
4. The Seeds Become Coriander
Once the flowers fade, the plant produces seeds, and those seeds are coriander.
This means that even after cilantro has flowered, you get a second harvest in the form of a completely different spice.
You can harvest cilantro seeds once they turn brown and dry on the plant.
How to Harvest Cilantro That Has Flowered Step by Step
Harvesting cilantro that has flowered is simple if you follow these steps:
1. Harvest in the Early Morning
The best time to harvest cilantro that has flowered is in the cool morning hours.
That’s when the plant is most hydrated and the flavors are at their peak.
Grab a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears and head out before the heat sets in.
2. Snip the Leaves and Stems
Cut the leaves and tender stems about an inch or two above the base of the plant.
When you harvest cilantro that has flowered, focus on the newer growth at the top because those leaves are the most tender.
Leave the older, tougher bottom stems behind so the plant can keep producing.
3. Collect the Flowers
Pinch or snip the white flower clusters and place them in a separate bowl.
If you harvest cilantro flowers gently, they’ll stay intact and look gorgeous on your plate.
Use them fresh because they don’t store well for long.
4. Wait for the Seeds to Mature
If you want coriander, let some of the flowers stay on the plant.
When you harvest cilantro seeds, wait until they turn light brown and start to dry out.
Then clip the seed heads and hang them upside down in a paper bag to finish drying.
5. Store Your Harvest Properly
After you harvest cilantro that has flowered, wrap the leaves and stems in a damp paper towel and refrigerate them.
They’ll keep for about a week this way, though the flavor is best when used fresh.
Store the dried coriander seeds in an airtight jar away from sunlight.
What Changes When Cilantro Has Flowered
When cilantro has flowered, the flavor does shift a bit, and it’s worth knowing what to expect:
1. The Taste Gets Stronger
Leaves from a flowering cilantro plant tend to taste sharper and more pungent.
That’s because the plant is putting its energy into reproduction, which concentrates the essential oils in the leaves.
So when you harvest cilantro that has flowered, use a lighter hand in recipes.
2. The Texture Turns Tougher
The leaves and stems get a bit tougher once cilantro has flowered.
If you’re using them raw, chop them very finely so they don’t feel stringy.
Cooking them softens the texture, which is why soups and stews are great options after you harvest cilantro that has flowered.
3. The Plant Stops Making New Leaves
Once cilantro has flowered, it slows down leaf production and focuses on seeds.
That means you won’t get much more leafy growth after you harvest cilantro at this stage.
So enjoy what’s there, and plan to plant a fresh batch for a steady supply.
So, How Do You Harvest Cilantro That Has Flowered?
You harvest cilantro that has flowered by snipping the leaves, stems, and flowers, then collecting the seeds once they dry.
The plant is still useful even after bolting, though the flavor gets stronger and the texture gets tougher.
Harvest cilantro in the morning for the best taste, use the flowers fresh, and save the seeds as coriander.
Hope this post has helped you understand how to harvest cilantro that has flowered so nothing in your garden goes to waste.