Bolting (running to seed)

When leafy crops flower and run to seed early, turning bitter, usually triggered by heat, long days or stress.

A tall central flower stalk shoots up, leaves become bitter and tougher, growth slows.

Harvest what you can quickly, the leaves rarely recover their flavour. Let coriander go to seed for free seed.

Sow bolt-resistant varieties, grow in the cooler parts of the year, provide afternoon shade in heat, and keep water up.