A vital coriander plant provides both spicy leaves and piquant grains for the kitchen. Since the taste of both components differs significantly, the right harvest requires a little care and planning. That's how it works.

Harvest the coriander leaves before they bloom

If you have your sights set on the tender leaves when sowing coriander, the harvest will begin in June under normal summer conditions. The younger the foliage, the finer the taste. Either cut off whole shoots close to the ground or pick off individual leaves. In this case, work your way from top to bottom.

The goal is to delay flowering for as long as possible. Once the buds have opened, the coriander plant invests all its energy in the growth of the seeds. This process takes place at the expense of the taste in the green parts of the plant. If, on the other hand, flowering is permanently prevented, the delicate seeds will inevitably be missing. In this regard, a little tact is required.

Cleverly store the coriander leaves

Sooner or later, the leaves and shoots will stop being harvested to allow flowering. So that you can use these parts of the coriander plant as a seasoning for a long time to come, they are excellent for freezing or drying.

How to harvest coriander seeds at the right time

Following the white coriander blossom, the longed-for seeds develop. From the end of August these are mature so that the harvest can begin. Don't wait for the fruit to turn dark. Otherwise, they will burst open and spread the seeds around the garden. How to proceed:

  • Completely cut off seed heads with a light brown color
  • let the cones ripen in a sunny, dry place
  • when the grains take on an almost black color, they are mature

Coriander seeds are preferably stored in an airtight container. Only grind the grains just before use to enjoy the full aroma.

tips and tricks

If you want both a rich harvest of leaves and a lavish yield of coriander seeds, you can use the following trick. Plant coriander at two different locations in the bed. While one group is allowed to blossom as much as it can, the second group delivers the aromatic leaves without ceasing.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden