Help - chard bolting!

[fran]

Planted out my chard bright lights about 6 weeks ago. They are growing well - about 8 ins high, but some are starting to bolt. Think they might all go the same way. Is it the hot weather? I have watered when I thought they needed it but perhaps not enough. Advice welcome!

Fran

[JimmerG]

I think they may have been planted a little early. Things like chard tend to sense the lengthening of the days and bolt. I tend to sow chard around now - the days will be getting progressively shorter in the next 2 weeks - so they should be fine.

Not sure what to do about your current bolters though, they may be past it...

[Alison]

I planted some chard out about a week ago and it seems to be doing OK - never really had any problems with it bolting, what variety do you have?

[Flummery]

I've got some a good foot high and some half an inch. Belt and braces. I must say though, that the only one going to seed is the one I sowed last spring! It's the chickens' last gasp till the new greens are big enough. (Some are, but they're for us!)

[HeyWayne]

Growing Swiss Chard for the first time this year and mine seems to have been bolting continually.

I think a combination of the warm weather and me planting them too close hasn't helped.

[Flummery]

It's too hot for most things this year. I love hot weather but I like a sprinkling of rain of a night time!

[Alison]

I planted some chard out about a week ago and it seems to be doing OK - never really had any problems with it bolting, what variety do you have?

Looks like I spoke too soon, noticed two of mine have bolted when I was up at the plot this weekend. Have cut them back and will see how they go now.

[HeyWayne]

Looks like I spoke too soon, noticed two of mine have bolted when I was up at the plot this weekend. Have cut them back and will see how they go now.

Now, when you say "cut them back" are we talking to ground level, or just the bolted bit?

[RedThorn]

once perpetual spinach and chard start bolting, there seem's to be no stopping them...(not that I found anyhow's)

[hamsterqueen]

my perpetual spinach and chard have both bolted very quickly this year.

[Alison]

Now, when you say "cut them back" are we talking to ground level, or just the bolted bit?

I cut the bolted bit right back to ground level but left all the outer leaves that were OK. Have no idea if this will work though as they didn't bolt until dead late in the season previously so I've no real experience on this one