Can You Harvest Cilantro After It Flowers? And Why Do Bees Love It So Much?

Can You Harvest Cilantro After It Flowers? And Why Do Bees Love It So Much?

Cilantro, also known as coriander in some parts of the world, is a versatile herb that is widely used in various cuisines. Its leaves, stems, and seeds all have distinct flavors and uses in cooking. However, one question that often arises among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts is: Can you harvest cilantro after it flowers? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. And while we’re on the topic, why do bees seem to have an inexplicable love for cilantro flowers? Let’s dive into the details.

The Life Cycle of Cilantro: From Seed to Flower

Cilantro is an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season. The plant goes through several stages:

  1. Germination: Cilantro seeds, also known as coriander seeds, germinate within 7 to 10 days under optimal conditions.
  2. Vegetative Growth: During this stage, the plant produces its characteristic feathery leaves, which are the primary part used in cooking.
  3. Bolting: As temperatures rise, cilantro plants enter the bolting stage, where they rapidly grow taller and produce flowers.
  4. Flowering: The plant produces small white or pink flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators like bees.
  5. Seed Production: After flowering, the plant produces seeds, which can be harvested and used as coriander.

Harvesting Cilantro After Flowering

Once cilantro flowers, the leaves tend to lose their characteristic flavor and become more bitter. However, this doesn’t mean the plant is no longer useful. Here are some ways you can still harvest and use cilantro after it flowers:

  1. Harvesting the Seeds: The seeds of the cilantro plant are known as coriander. They have a warm, citrusy flavor and are commonly used in spice blends, pickling, and baking. To harvest the seeds, wait until the flowers have dried and turned brown. Cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag to dry further. Once dry, shake the bag to release the seeds.

  2. Using the Flowers: Cilantro flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads for a mild cilantro flavor. They are also highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any garden.

  3. Harvesting the Leaves: While the leaves may become more bitter after flowering, they can still be used in cooking. The bitterness can be balanced by using them in dishes with strong flavors, such as curries or salsas.

Why Do Bees Love Cilantro Flowers?

Bees are naturally attracted to flowers that provide nectar and pollen, and cilantro flowers are no exception. Here are some reasons why bees love cilantro flowers:

  1. Nectar Production: Cilantro flowers produce a significant amount of nectar, which is a primary food source for bees. The nectar is rich in sugars, providing the energy bees need for their daily activities.

  2. Pollen Availability: Cilantro flowers also produce a good amount of pollen, which is essential for the protein needs of bees. Pollen is collected by bees and brought back to the hive to feed the larvae.

  3. Flower Structure: The small, open structure of cilantro flowers makes it easy for bees to access the nectar and pollen. This accessibility is crucial for efficient foraging.

  4. Color and Scent: The white or pink color of cilantro flowers is highly visible to bees, and the mild scent helps attract them from a distance.

Growing Cilantro for Continuous Harvest

If you want to enjoy fresh cilantro leaves throughout the growing season, you can employ a few strategies to delay bolting and extend the vegetative stage:

  1. Succession Planting: Plant cilantro seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves. This way, as one batch of plants starts to bolt, another will be ready for harvest.

  2. Cooler Locations: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and tends to bolt quickly in hot weather. Planting cilantro in a partially shaded area or during cooler months can help delay bolting.

  3. Regular Harvesting: Regularly harvesting the outer leaves can encourage the plant to produce more foliage and delay the onset of flowering.

  4. Varietal Selection: Some cilantro varieties are bred to be more bolt-resistant. Choosing these varieties can help extend the harvest period.

Culinary Uses of Cilantro and Coriander

Cilantro and coriander are used in a wide range of culinary applications across different cuisines. Here are some popular uses:

  1. Cilantro Leaves: The fresh leaves are commonly used in Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisines. They are often added to salsas, guacamole, curries, and salads for a fresh, citrusy flavor.

  2. Cilantro Stems: The stems are also edible and can be used in cooking. They have a similar flavor to the leaves and can be finely chopped and added to dishes.

  3. Coriander Seeds: The seeds are used as a spice in various cuisines. They can be ground into a powder or used whole in pickling, baking, and spice blends like garam masala.

  4. Cilantro Flowers: As mentioned earlier, the flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads for a mild cilantro flavor.

Health Benefits of Cilantro and Coriander

Both cilantro leaves and coriander seeds offer several health benefits:

  1. Rich in Antioxidants: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

  2. Digestive Health: Coriander seeds have been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal issues like bloating and indigestion.

  3. Antimicrobial Properties: Cilantro has natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infections.

  4. Detoxification: Cilantro is known for its ability to bind to heavy metals and help remove them from the body, aiding in detoxification.

Common Questions About Cilantro

Q: Can you eat cilantro after it flowers? A: Yes, you can still eat cilantro after it flowers, but the leaves may become more bitter. The flowers and seeds are also edible and can be used in cooking.

Q: How do you harvest coriander seeds? A: To harvest coriander seeds, wait until the flowers have dried and turned brown. Cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag to dry further. Once dry, shake the bag to release the seeds.

Q: Why do bees love cilantro flowers? A: Bees are attracted to cilantro flowers because they produce a significant amount of nectar and pollen, which are essential food sources for bees. The flowers’ structure, color, and scent also make them easily accessible and attractive to bees.

Q: How can I prevent cilantro from bolting? A: To prevent cilantro from bolting, try succession planting, growing it in cooler locations, regularly harvesting the leaves, and choosing bolt-resistant varieties.

Q: What are the health benefits of cilantro? A: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants, aids in digestion, has antimicrobial properties, and can help with detoxification by binding to heavy metals in the body.

In conclusion, while cilantro leaves may become more bitter after flowering, the plant still offers plenty of culinary and health benefits. Whether you’re harvesting the seeds, using the flowers, or finding creative ways to use the leaves, cilantro remains a valuable addition to any garden and kitchen. And let’s not forget the bees—cilantro flowers are a fantastic way to support these essential pollinators.