Translation guide
Describes plants that have finished flowering and begun producing seeds, often becoming overgrown or unattractive. Also used figuratively for people, places, or things that have declined in appearance, condition, or vitality.
The literal botanical process where a plant stops flowering and produces seeds, often looking untidy.
Neutral, common way to say a plant has formed seeds. Literally 'seeds are made'.
The lettuce has started going to seed.
Describing a person, place, or thing that has become shabby, neglected, or past its prime.
Means 'to become completely worn out/shabby'. Fits the figurative sense well for people or things.
The direct translation 「種に行く」 is not used in Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on whether you mean plants or figurative decline.
Descriptive phrase: 'the flowers finish and turn into seeds'. Natural in gardening contexts.
Let's harvest before the flowers go to seed.
Formal or technical term for bearing fruit/seeds. Used in botanical or agricultural writing.
This plant goes to seed in summer.
He's really gone to seed, hasn't he?
Idiomatic: 'a shadow of one's former self'. Emphasizes dramatic decline in appearance or state.
That park has really gone to seed.
For places or things becoming neglected, overgrown, or run-down. Often used for gardens, buildings, or skin.
The garden has completely gone to seed.
Specifically for a person's decline in fortune or social standing, often with a nuance of fallen from grace.
He has gone to seed.