Bolting Rocket

[jimfin]

Hi All
My Rocket bolted last friday in the GH. What causes this and can I prevent it happening in future?

[Florence Fennel]

Hi Jimfin, my rocket is outside in the ground, but has just bolted. We have had loads from it, but when allowed to grow on (as it has done without cutting this last fortnight) I'm pretty sure the natural progression is for it to set seed. I planted some more about 3 weeks ago which is just coming on, but I have read that it is more prone to bolting in the summer when it's warmer - so maybe it should have been in cooler conditions? I'm sure an expert will be along to explain.

[Lawick]

hiya, I read somewhere that rocket tends to bolt as the days get longer but less so after the longest day. Stress to the plant (under/overwatering & excessive temperature fluctuation)s can also force them into flower. Hope this helps. L

[Two_Sheds]

Rocket is a bolter, like spinach and pak choi.
You need to sow it little and often, say every 3 weeks for a continual harvest. They are all more successful sown after the longest day
Bolting vegetables

[jimfin]

Bolting Rocket

Thanks guys. Being a new grower I never thought of the plant going to flower. I'll have to keep note in future of the time from planting to harvist.
When do I know when my scallions are ready?

[OllieMartin]

My rocket has bolted too.

Just harvest all you can from it before the taste changes (I know lettuce goes nasty when it bolts, but I understand spinach and kale don't), and then sow more rocket. Add all the old stalks to your compost.

Plants bolt either due to increasing warm weather which lettuces don't like, or due to increased light levels. Some plants will bolt if they run short on water and become stressed which rocket is prone to do.