[Lardman]

Up and out ? Cut the flower stalk off ?  Cut the lot down to ground level ? Carry on and ignore it ? I've got plenty of seeds left.

[sunshineband]

The leaves tend to get quite bitter once the plant has bolted, so I usually start again at that point,and consign the rest to the compost 

[mumofstig]

last year I just cut the flowers off and let it carry on...............I didn't notice any change in taste

[Lardman]

Its been a little disappointing this year. I don't remember it bolting last year and there hasn't been enough on the plant to take a cut since it started to flower, which made me pose the question.

[SUTTY1]

I used some off a plant, that had bolted, last week. It was in a stir-fry with many other ingredients but i thought it tasted bitter.

I'd defo remove the flower stem as leaf production will almost stop then try cooking some and lets us know what you think

Also plant some more, they will carry you into the winter and imo the youngest leaves are the most tender and tasty

[New shoot]

My chard has bolted as well and gone all stringy.  I've ripped it out and have just sown some more seeds for an autumn supply.

My perpetual spinich has held up though and is producing loads of leaves.  I'm going to do both in future as the spinich is a good fall back  

[viettaclark]

I've never had chard bolt before. It usually stays in over the winter and gives me a spring crop before bolting.
However the rainbow chard is bolting and I'll try cutting right back. Luckily the green chard and spinach are ok.

[Paul Plots]

I've never had chard bolt before. It usually stays in over the winter and gives me a spring crop before bolting.
However the rainbow chard is bolting and I'll try cutting right back. Luckily the green chard and spinach are ok.

Swiss Chard (thick white stem) usually lasts well. Reliable through the winter into spring from a late sowing and mid summer planting out.

[Robster]

I have only had chard bolt in its second year in the spring.  So its a new one on me.  What variety was it?  I grew the silver stem jobby last year and it was fine.

[sunshineband]

It seems that different varieties and different conditions mean that there has been a range of expereineces with chard 

I think the simple answer to the original question is to try out the taste and if it is Ok, and there are enough leaves, carry on eating it and if not, grub it up and sow some more 

[Paul Plots]

It seems that different varieties and different conditions mean that there has been a range of expereineces with chard 

I think the simple answer to the original question is to try out the taste and if it is Ok, and there are enough leaves, carry on eating it and if not, grub it up and sow some more 

I agree - never experienced a bitter taste but only pick/use it when it looks tender.

[TerryB]

It seems that different varieties and different conditions mean that there has been a range of expereineces with chard 

I think the simple answer to the original question is to try out the taste and if it is Ok, and there are enough leaves, carry on eating it and if not, grub it up and sow some more 

I agree. Some of our plants have bolted and some haven't.
Also put a second lot in last week.