Understanding Vegetable Bolting -- Flowering Brassica Plants

Understanding the concept of bolting is crucial for gardeners cultivating Brassica plants like kale, broccoli, turnip greens, and collards, as well as lettuce. UT Extension Area Speciaist Walter Battle explains bolting marks a pivotal phase in the plant's lifecycle, transitioning from vegetative growth to seed production, rendering its edible parts less desirable. While the leaves remain technically edible post-bolting, they often become tougher and potentially bitter. This natural progression is irreversible, emphasizing the importance of timely harvest and attentive garden management.
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[@doityourselflivinggardenin7986]

You must live in the south where kale survives well during the winter. This gives it enough time to go to seed. Up north, it is difficult to get kale to go to seed because of winter kill. We had a warmer winter up north and this year I spotted two old kale plants that regrew and went to seed. First time ever. I'm a seed saver, so this was welcomed.
Up north I can get lettuce seeds in one season, but broccoli is difficult. I did get broccoli seeds last year. These plants do not survive our winters so they must produce seeds near the end of the growing season.
It is also easy for us to get cilantro and mustard seeds. Radish seed is collected, but many pods don't have seeds. I also collect bean, squash, and pea seeds. Keep squashes far apart from each other or you will get junk plants from the seeds.
With brassicas, be sure they are far enough away from other brassicas so they do not cross-pollinate.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Yes we are in the south. Memphis to be specific. This plant has been growing for two years and this is the first time it bolted. We left a little nub and it has already started growing back again.

[@220Gene_]

Now I know why my lettuce looks like this. Can you do a video on seed harvest?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We have not done a video on lettuce seed harvesting, but here is a playlist on some other seed harvesting videos we have done: ua-cam.com/play/PLalgWdpIXuNqfe97_W6HXzRd5mH_3ibnw.html

[@HomeandGardeningbyGrace]

Thanks for sharing this great information 😂 1:21