Bolting
Return to physiological and nutritional disorders
Bolting is the emergence of flowers from a vegetable crop. Cole crops are subject to bolting in Kentucky, particularly those planted during spring. Exposure to cold temperatures in early spring followed by rapid warming will often initiate bolting in several cole crops. In many cases, planting crops late in the spring on black plastic can exacerbate bolting. Bolting will make crops unmarketable and result in a strong bitter flavor if consumed by home gardeners.
Bolting (flower emergence) in pak choi.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Avoid planting late in the spring. In Kentucky, many fall-planted cole crops produce higher quality crops than those planted in spring. This is particularly true with broccoli and cauliflower.
