Coriander Bloom Basics Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts about coriander flowering, covering environmental triggers, plant physiology, and common cultivation issues. This quiz highlights factors influencing coriander blooms and best horticultural practices.

1. Coriander Flowering Triggers

   Which environmental condition most commonly triggers early flowering (bolting) in coriander plants?

   1. Sandy soils
   2. High temperatures
   3. Excessive shade
   4. High humidity

   Explanation: High temperatures often accelerate bolting in coriander, causing the plant to flower prematurely. Excessive shade generally delays or reduces flowering rather than triggering it. High humidity does not independently cause bolting, though it may affect disease risk. Sandy soils can influence plant health but are not a primary cause of early flowering.

2. Photoperiod Influence on Coriander Bloom

   How does photoperiod (day length) typically affect coriander's transition to flowering?

   1. Shorter days prevent flowering
   2. No effect from photoperiod
   3. Only artificial light affects flowering
   4. Longer days promote flowering

   Explanation: Coriander is sensitive to day length, and longer daylight hours promote flowering. Shorter days tend to delay this transition. Photoperiod does have an effect, contrary to the third option. Both natural and artificial light can influence photoperiod, not just artificial sources.

3. Best Practice for Delaying Flowering

   What is one horticultural method to delay flowering and prolong leaf harvest in coriander crops?

   1. Providing cooler growing temperatures
   2. Planting in shallow containers
   3. Increasing fertilizer to maximum
   4. Withholding water frequently

   Explanation: Coriander thrives longest in cooler conditions, which delay flowering and extend the harvest period. Withholding water stresses plants, often triggering earlier flowering. Over-fertilizing can promote lush growth but may also lead to weak plants or not substantially delay flowering. Shallow containers can restrict root growth and stress the plant.

4. Bolting and Leaf Quality

   Why is bolting generally undesirable for coriander grown for leaf harvest?

   1. Seeds fail to develop
   2. Stem becomes more flexible
   3. Pests are no longer attracted
   4. Leaves become smaller and more bitter

   Explanation: After bolting, coriander leaves decrease in size and often develop a bitter taste, lowering their culinary value. Seeds actually do develop following bolting. Pests may still affect the plant, and stem flexibility is not a significant quality issue here.

5. Harvest Timing and Flowering

   Which practice helps ensure the highest quality leaf harvest before coriander plants start to flower?

   1. Harvesting leaves before the flowering stem appears
   2. Waiting until seeds ripen
   3. Cutting leaves only after flowers form
   4. Pruning woody stems exclusively

   Explanation: The best-quality coriander leaves are harvested before the plant bolts and the flowering stem emerges. Waiting until flowers or seeds develop reduces leaf quality. Pruning only woody stems is not commonly relevant in coriander, as it is an herbaceous plant.