Why Does Cabbage Bolt? Causes and Prevention Methods Explained

Cabbage is one of the important vegetables in China and is widely grown across the country. Spring is the best time to plant cabbage, but during cultivation, cabbage bolting can occur, leading to reduced yields and affecting profits. So what causes cabbage bolting? How can it be prevented? Let's find out together.

1. Improper variety selection

There are many cabbage varieties, and their characteristics differ. Some varieties have strong winter hardiness, while others have weak winter hardiness, so their bolting rates also differ. Generally, varieties with weak winter hardiness bolt very easily, while varieties with strong winter hardiness have a low bolting rate.

Prevention method: When selecting varieties, choose those with strong winter hardiness to reduce the early bolting rate and increase yield.

2. Improper sowing time

The sowing time of cabbage also affects its bolting rate to some extent. If sown too early, the seeds remain in a low-temperature environment for a long time, and once the temperature rises, bolting is very likely to occur.

Prevention method: Strictly control the sowing time. Cabbage is a low-temperature vernalization plant, and in a prolonged low-temperature environment, it is highly prone to bolting. Many people sow blindly in order to increase yield, which instead has the opposite effect. When sowing, choose the most suitable time of October to November according to local climate conditions.

3. Unsuitable temperature

During the cabbage seedling stage, if the temperature is too high, even if fertilizer is applied at the right time, the seedlings will grow rapidly. When transplanting is complete and the accumulated temperature requirement is met, bolting will occur.

Prevention method: Temperature must be well controlled. When the temperature is too high and the seedlings grow vigorously, the development of the seedlings can be controlled to inhibit their growth, so as to prevent the seedlings from growing too large during overwintering and bolting after spring.

4. Improper transplanting time

If the plants are too large at the time of transplanting, bolting is likely to occur during overwintering. At the same time, the transplanting time is also extremely important. If transplanted too early, the seedlings are exposed to low temperatures for a long time and bolting may occur; if transplanted too late, the required low-temperature duration for the seedlings cannot be met, and bolting will also occur.

Prevention method: When transplanting, be sure to control the transplanting time and the size of the seedlings. After transplanting, reasonably regulate fertilizer and water according to seedling size, so that they overwinter smoothly without bolting.

The above is an introduction to the causes of cabbage bolting and prevention methods. We hope it helps you. For more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.