Chard is bolting

[kris1960]

Rainbow chard is beautiful with big leaves but is all bolting- if I cut it back to the base can I keep it going?

Its raining so I have time to ask some questions. Thanks in advance.

[Alison]

I just cut out the flowers and let it carry on - one of the really good things about chard is that it doesn't go bitter when it bolts and will carry on for months afterwards

[kris1960]

Thanks Alison- its not flowering yet but leaves are growing higher up the stem.

[skeggijon]

Mines starting to bolt too, but still using it. Sowed some in another part of the plot though which will hopefully be ready by the time this lot finally needs pulling and composting

[Noosner]

On a similar note, my spinach seedlings are starting to flower even though they are only about two inches high! I blame the weird weather we've been having. Is it worth pinching these out and carrying on or should I just pull them up?

[Alison]

Sadly your spinach has had it

[Noosner]

Thanks Alison. Oh dear. Luckily I've got some other spinach growing in my hot bed which is absolutely fine, I guess because the hot bed has kept it at a steady temperature. I heard on Gardeners' Question Time yesterday that varying temperatures provoke seeds to germinate so it makes sense that they would provoke plants to flower, too.