A crop plant, typically a leafy green or root vegetable, that shifts its energy from vegetative growth into rapid flower and seed production. This premature elongation of the stalk ruins the harvestable part of the plant by making it bitter, tough, or woody. Environmental stress, such as sudden heat spikes or prolonged cold snaps, usually triggers this survival response.
Heard on the job
The unexpected heatwave turned half our spinach crop into bolters before we could get the crew out to pick them.
Insider tip
Once a plant starts to bolt, cutting off the flower stalk rarely saves the crop's flavour.