How to prevent cilantro from bolting? These control measures you need to master
Cilantro bolting is a phenomenon that affects yield and quality. Generally, summer-sown cilantro is prone to bolting due to long daylight hours, and improper variety selection can also cause bolting. Seeds collected in the current year tend to bolt earlier after sowing than seeds collected over winter. So how do you prevent cilantro from bolting? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.
1. Choose good varieties
Cilantro is controlled by genetic factors, and its bolting performance differs among varieties. Generally speaking, small-leaf varieties are more likely to bolt when grown, and some will begin to bolt when they grow to 10cm. Large-leaf varieties have stronger bolting resistance, and their bolting time is later. As long as cultivation and management are proper, generally 40 days after emergence, plants with a height of 30cm will not bolt. Therefore, when planting, it is recommended to choose large-leaf varieties that are resistant to cold and bolting, such as Xiangshuai, Milan, and Australian Four Seasons.
2. Apply sufficient base fertilizer
The nutritional status of the soil has a direct impact on crop growth and development. According to research, when soil moisture is insufficient and nutrients are insufficient, especially when nitrogen fertilizer is lacking, the reproductive growth of crops is promoted, which leads to early bolting and flowering. Therefore, when planting cilantro, you should choose a fertile soil environment, and apply sufficient base fertilizer when preparing the land. Organic fertilizer or farmyard manure is best for base fertilizer, and it must be applied sufficiently and in a balanced way. Per mu, apply 3000 kilograms of decomposed chicken manure or farmyard manure, together with 40 kilograms of high-nitrogen high-potassium compound fertilizer and 20 kilograms of urea. Spread them evenly on the soil and mix them into the soil during plowing.
3. Sow at the right time
Under long daylight conditions in spring and summer, low temperature is the main cause of cilantro bolting. Therefore, in northern regions with lower spring temperatures, the best sowing time is early April. If growing in a greenhouse, sowing can be done 15-20 days earlier, but when cultivating in a greenhouse, attention should be paid to wind protection and temperature control. It is best to keep the temperature inside the greenhouse between 15-20 degrees. If the temperature is too low or too high, it will also cause bolting.
4. Harvest at the right time
Cilantro has a short growth cycle. Generally, it can be harvested 40 days after emergence, and at the latest no more than two months. At this time, the plants are between 25-30cm, large and tender, with bright green leaves, a good taste, and relatively high yield. However, if harvesting is too late, the plants age, and not only will they bolt, but their quality and taste will also decline, making the loss outweigh the gain. Therefore, timely harvesting is also one of the measures to prevent cilantro bolting.
The above is an introduction to preventive measures for cilantro bolting. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.