Bolting refers to an edible, frost-tolerant plant, such as lettuce, cilantro, or even other greens, going to seed sooner than we would like. When your plant grows taller than its mature height as well as flower heads appear, this is a sign that it is bolting.
Temperature increases, cold spells, modifications in day length, and other vegetation stresses are the most common causes of plant bolting. When stressed for an extended period of time, plants redirect their energy to the survival of the species.
While not poisonous, once a plant enters its reproductive stage, it may become bitter or flavourless, with a harder (sometimes woody) texture. However, there may be a few small exceptions.
Plant seeds that are resistant to bolting. Look for seeds labelled "bolt-resistant" or "slow bolting," as these seeds have been specifically developed to withstand bolting conditions. When growing onions, for example, look for high - temperature onion pairs.
Many cool-season or freeze - thaw crops, such as broccoli, lettuce, or radishes, mature faster before temperatures reach the 80s, so plan accordingly. For example, if you have a hot spring, start earlier as well as plant in late summers, fall, or even cold weather.
Mulch will keep your soil cool. When hot soil gets hot the roots of plants with high - temperature roots, including such broccoli, cabbage, and cilantro, they bolt. Spread a thin layer of mulch on topsoil to maintain a cool temperature to prevent overheating.
Water your plants on a regular basis. To reduce stress factors like drought, nutritional deficiencies, and biotic stresses from fungi as well as other pathogens, focus on providing excellent overall plant services with good soil, appropriate watering, and good airflow.
Give your cold-weather crops some shade. If you live in a hot climate, make sure to give cool-season crops like swiss chard, lettuce, and spinach some shade. Even vegetables grown in full sun can bolt if indeed the weather gets too hot.
Check that you're using the right fertiliser. If you use a fertiliser on your crops, make sure it's one designed to promote the growth of leaves and stems rather than flower growth. Green growth fertilisers frequently have a higher nitrogen content.
Sow your seeds directly. Plants that bolt due to root stress, such as carrot, turnip, beetroot, swiss chard, and many herbs, grow best when planted directly outside rather than transplanted. This allows one‘s root systems to grow unhindered.