Leggy coriander and rocket??

Strathclyde, United Kingdom

I've planted a herb pot with rosemary, chives, coriander, basil and rocket. The coriander and rocket have taken off, well kinda like a rocket! They are very tall and although the coriander has lots of leaf, the rocket is very leggy and straggly looking. I have been taking the flowers off but it's not made much difference. Also the basil which is the purple 'magic mountain' variety has started to flower too, should i take the flowers off of this too?

9 Jun, 2009

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Answers

Poaannua

Hello Lilimac. You can cut back the Rocket, to encourage itr to make new flowering growth, if possible leave some uncut , they often make side growths that willl flower if the main head is removed. I imagine the Coriander too will improve if cut back.

9 Jun, 2009

Wohlibuli

Hi, Take the flowers off the basil also so it will keep producing leaves, the more you use the better, within reason of course. I have also found that the coriander grows fast and bolts quickly, here where I am it prefers the cooler season.

9 Jun, 2009

Lilymac

Thanks for that. I was tempted to cut the rocket back a bit but was unsure. Also noticed flowers on the coriander so I should probably remove them too.

10 Jun, 2009

Wohlibuli

Well, I guess that depends on if the seeds is what you want to use. With coriander both the leaves (which in US we call cilantro) and dried seeds are used. (which we call coriander) personal preference I guess, but they do have very different tastes.

10 Jun, 2009