Broccoli bolting

[Gordon D]

So, I gave my broccoli a good watering last night and woken up today to discover it's starting to bolt 😬

As they're not particularly big yet, is it worth leaving them as they are or cutting off the heads that have bolted? All my plants are about the same size as the one in the picture.

So, how often do you guys water your broccoli?

[Bigmallly]

Looks like warm soil causes them to bolt Gordon so cool soil seems to be the answer:

Tips For Preventing Bolting In Broccoli Plants

[WPG]

Gosh, that's really useful to know Bigmally - I'll mulch my brassicas tomorrow...noticed the start of flower buds on some of my summer PSB today.

Gordon, I'd probably cut those heads off and let the plant re-shoot. The flowers are fine to be eaten, they don't taste of much.

[Mr Bones]

Ours bolted too. Nine plants provided just enough for one meal (for two).

[Gordon D]

Thanks for that info BM, I wouldn't even have guessed the soil temp (and not the air temp) could affect it so much. I'll get out tomorrow and put a cardboard mulch with some bark on top to help keep the soil cool. I'll water it with cool water in the mornings too. Hopefully It'll stop or at least slow the rest from bolting.

WPG - that's a good idea. I'll chop the flowerheads off and let it re-sprout.

[catgirl]

One of my plants was starting to bolt as well. It was big enough to provide a one-person portion so I cut it off, especially since it already had some side shoots forming.