Bolting (horticulture)

In horticulture, bolting is the production of a flowering stem (or stems) on agricultural and horticultural crops before the harvesting of a crop, at a stage when a plant makes a natural attempt to produce seeds[1] and to reproduce.

The flowering stems are usually vigorous extensions of existing leaf-bearing stems; to produce them, a plant diverts resources from producing the edible parts (such as leaves or roots), resulting in changes in flavor and texture, withering, and in general, a poor-quality harvest.

Crops inclined to bolt include lettuce, basil, beetroot, brassicas, spinach, celery, onion,[1] and leek.

[2] Bolting is induced by plant hormones of the gibberellin family,[citation needed] and can occur as a result of several factors, including changes in day length, the prevalence of high temperatures at particular stages in a plant's growth-cycle, and the existence of stresses such as insufficient water or minerals.

[citation needed] Plant breeders have introduced cultivars of "bolt-proof" crops that are less prone to the condition.