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Phrase(s): go to seed 1. [and] run to seed
Lit. [for a plant] to grow long enough to produce seed; [for a plant] to spend its energy going to seed. • The lettuce went to seed and we couldn’t eat it. • Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed. 2. and run to seed Fig. [for a lawn or a plant] to produce seeds because it has not had proper care. • You’ve got to mow the grass. It’s going to seed. • Don’t let the lawn go to seed. It looks so—seedy! 3. Fig. [for something] to decline in looks, status, or utility due to lack of care. (The same as run to seed.) • This old coat is going to seed. Have to get a new one. • The front of the house is going to seed. Let’s get it painted.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs