Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template

Problem Identifier Unit Screen//v.w/ RR Template Bolting

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi

Problem
In hot weather, an elongated stalk with flowers grows from the main stem of broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts plants. On cabbage, the head splits open, and the stalk emerges from within.

Analysis
Bolting, or seed stalk formation, results from exposure of the plants to cold temperatures early in their lives. Once a plant has matured to the point where its leaves are about 2 inches wide, exposure to cold (40° to 50°F) temperatures for several days in a row causes flower buds to form within the growing point. These buds remain dormant until hot weather arrives. With the arrival of hot weather, the buds develop into tall flower stalks. As the plant bolts, its flavor deteriorates and bitterness develops.

Solution
Discard plants that have bolted. Avoid setting out plants too early in the winter or spring. If cabbage plants are set out in the fall or winter, harvest them before hot weather causes them to bolt. Cutting the flower stalk will not prevent poor flavor from developing.