Leggy Coriander

[Garvey]

My coriander always seems to go leggy with the upper most leaves growing feathery and wispy. There always seems to be to much stem and not enough thick leaves. Any ideas what's going wrong.

[RaptorUK]

My coriander always seems to go leggy with the upper most leaves growing feathery and wispy. There always seems to be to much stem and not enough thick leaves. Any ideas what's going wrong.

It's "bolting" . . . going to seed. Mine is doing the same, I grew in cells and transplanted to the Allotment.

Now I have sown direct and hope for a better result.

So either sow direct or use a bigger pot and keep a close eye on the watering, stress will make it bolt.

[Goldcrest]

I agree with RaptorUK, watch the watering! Plus I keep mine semi-shady, sew a few direct in a pot every few weeks and chop off the heads when they're about 4-6 inches tall (I don't use it that much - just for garnishes - but love the smell)

[Raybon]

Mine too! I plan to put in the shade tunnel next time, it's stopped my spinach from bolting.

[Dorothy rouse]

I grew lots of Coriander from seed, germinated, potted it on, and again, did well, then bolted, I Just used it, wonderful flavour, but a lot of hassle, for basically one meal off each plant. Not sure I'll bother again.

[More basil]

I have used varieties bred for leaves rather than seeds. They can be harvested several times before they bolt

[BigV]

Grow Coriander Calypso.It is a cut and come again.Mine I cut at about 4 inches and get about four to five cuts.
If you use a lot sow in six to nine inch pots every three to four weeks.I very rarely run out and I use a lot.One other tipStand your supermarket Basil in a pot of water.Keep topping up.Basil seems a very thirsty last.

[Shadylane]

I sow direct or pre-chit. I'll sprinkle the seeds in the autumn and they pop up everywhere. Except this year. For some reason the seeds from last years have been rubbish, even the ones I pre-chitted in plastic tubs refused to germinate. Sow plenty and succession sow, that way it's not a hassle and you'll have plenty to sprinkle over your curry.