I’m trying to work out whether my lettuce or endive has bolted. The kale is getting tall too, but I’m not sure if that’s normal growth or a sign something’s wrong. What should I look for?
How can I tell if my lettuce is bolting?
Asked by Paper Orbit
Answers
Look for the lettuce sending up a distinct central stalk, with leaves getting smaller or more spaced out as it grows. Flower buds at the top are a clear late sign. A plant that’s just leafy and upright may not be bolting yet.
Once it bolts, the leaves can turn bitter, especially in warm weather. You can still taste a leaf and pick any that are good to eat.
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If the plant is endive, heat could explain it shooting up. Endive is generally grown in cooler conditions, and warm weather can push it to flower early. If you’re unsure it really is endive, the seed packet or plant label may help sort out the identification.
For a plant that has already bolted, harvest any leaves you still like, or let it flower if you want to see what happens next.
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Kale growing on a taller central stalk by itself isn’t necessarily a problem. It makes leaves along that stalk, so try leaving the newest growth alone for a bit and picking the larger lower leaves as needed. If it starts making flower buds, that’s a different sign and the leaves may get tougher.
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Paper Orbit:
So a taller middle stem is more telling than the whole plant just looking upright. That helps, thanks.