How to Stop Lettuce From Bolting

By
Marie Iannotti
Garden Writer Marie Iannotti
Marie Iannotti
Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 04/27/22
Reviewed by
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette
Reviewed by Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Lettuce leaves bolting between dark red vegetation

The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 15 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $3 to $5

Vegetable gardeners often talk about their plants "bolting," which simply means that the plant sends up a flower stalk and goes to seed. When plants flower, it's generally considered a good thing; however, in vegetables grown for their leaves, such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and other cole crops, bolting causes the flavor to turn bitter and the leaves to get smaller and tougher, making them inedible. Bolting is common in cool-season greens, like arugula, lettuce, and spinach. Other common garden plants that bolt include beets, broccoli, and herbs such as cilantro, basil, and dill.

Why Lettuce Bolts

Bolting tends to happen when the temperature heats up. Heat may be a factor in bolting if high temperatures occur when the plants are nearing maturity.

Dry conditions may also contribute to bolting. Plants that feel threatened by harsh temperatures will often go to seed. Even exposure to cold while the plants are seedlings can play a role. If lettuce seedlings are exposed to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures for several days in a row, they will start forming flower buds, although the flower stalk won't shoot up until the weather warms.

Fun Fact

The name "iceberg lettuce" dates back to early 20th century California—refrigerators were not available so to prevent spoilage in transit, farmers would cover the lettuce in crushed ice.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Wide wood board
  • Soil thermometer
  • Shade cloth or row covers

Materials

  • Slow-bolt lettuce seeds

Instructions

  1. Purchase the Right Seeds

    Some cultivars are quicker to bolt than others. When you're out shopping for seeds, you may see seeds described as "slow to bolt," but because a variety of conditions can cause bolting, this is no guarantee. That said, if you do have trouble growing lettuce in the summer, it can't hurt to give some of the slow-to-bolt cultivars a try.

    Many of these seeds will have names that hint at their bolt resistance, like "Slobolt" and "Summer Bibb." Among the older seed varieties, crisphead lettuces in the romaine or cos group tend to be the slowest to bolt, while looseleaf lettuce tends to be the quickest.

    sowing lettuce seeds

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

  2. Choose a Shady Spot

    Many gardeners have had success growing lettuce throughout the summer by planting it in a shaded spot in the garden. You can tuck it behind or under taller plants or grow it in pots that can be moved to a shadier site. Regular watering helps to keep the soil cool and the leaves succulent.

    Choosing a shady spot to grow lettuce

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

  3. Soak the Planting Area

    A good trick for starting seeds in the summer is to use cold water to thoroughly soak the area to be planted a few days before sowing. After watering, cover the damp soil with a wide board. 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. It's a good idea to test with a soil thermometer to be sure you've achieved the correct temperature for your seeds to sprout.

    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.

    Soaking seedlings

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

  4. Try Using Shade Cloth

    Shade cloth also can be used to protect young seedlings and tender leafy greens. Most garden centers carry the types of covers specifically designed to let in rain and sun but, at the same time, protect the vegetables under cover from strong UV rays that can cause early bolting. Row covers also protect greens and cold-season crops from pests such as cabbage loopers and rabbits. You will need to provide supports along with the cover to keep the cloth elevated above the plants and giving them room to grow.

    Lettuce head with other herbs and greens growing in garden box under shade

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

  5. Watch for Flower Buds

    If you see your cool-season vegetables start to form flower buds, pinch out the buds. Once the plant has begun the process of flowering and reseeding it will eventually bolt, but you may be able to extend your harvest a little longer by pinching out the flower buds early on.

    Small yellow and white flowers from lettuce bolting closeup

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

How to Grow Lettuce
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  1. Lettuce. University of Maryland Extension