Bolting is completely normal and common in cool-season greens, like arugula, lettuce, and spinach.
Dry conditions may also contribute to bolting.
Plants that feel threatened by harsh temperatures will often go to seed.
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Even exposure to cold while the plants are seedlings can play a role.
Bolting can be delayed to extend the harvesting season if you pinch the buds as they begin to flower.
After watering, cover the damp soil with a wide board.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Repeat this process daily if the weather is particularly hot and dry.
Within a couple of days, the soil under the board will be cooler than the surrounding soil.
Test with a soil thermometer to be sure you’ve achieved the correct temperature for your seeds to sprout.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Sow your seeds, water them, and cover the soil again with the board.
Check daily for signs of germination.
At the first sight of green sprouts, remove the board.
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Water Regularly
Because of its shallow roots, lettuce requires constant watering.
During the summer or when it gets hot, you may need to water lettuce more frequently.
Mulching can also help control any weeds that may crop up around the lettuce.
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Try planting lettuce in the early spring, harvesting the crops, and planting again in the fall.
Tip
Harvesting the outer leaves of the lettuce plant can extend the season.
While it does not delay bolting, it can allow for longer harvests.
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Yes, you’re free to still eat lettuce after it has bolted.
Lettuce plants will not grow back if they have bolted.
If your lettuce plant has bolted, wait until the proper growing season and plant a new crop.
Be sure to use clean, distilled water when soaking.
you might also try washing, patting dry, and refrigerating lettuce that has bolted.
