[viettaclark]

I put in my hardy cabbage (Tundra and Savoy) early Sept. when they were 3" high and they've bolted.
(unless they're supposed to have foot high stalks!)
They're not too wet/dry, the raised bed was manured and fertilised, I managed to beat off the cabbage whites and they're netted from the hens and pigeons. After all that they go and bolt!
Could it be the earth is not firm enough? The kale in the same bed is doing fine!

[crh75]

Probably due to a lack of lime.

[viettaclark]

Can that cause bolting, then?
The manure I used was mushroom compost which is quite limy so I didn't add any more.

[peterjf]

brassicas like compacted soil around them

could be wind rock , not deep enough, not enough water

[viettaclark]

Do I leave them growing? They're really healthy. Or should I get some more planted!!!!!!

[crh75]

That's it I'm afraid. You maybe able to use some of the leaves for greans but they may be a bit bitter.

[mumofstig]

When you say they have bolted have they gone to flower? Can you feel any heart starting at all?

I'm asking cos my Tundra last year grew enormous But they did still heart up Lovely cabbage but as they grow so big I've not grow them again this year.

[too many girls]

I put in my hardy cabbage (Tundra and Savoy) early Sept. when they were 3" high and they've bolted.
(unless they're supposed to have foot high stalks!)
They're not too wet/dry, the raised bed was manured and fertilised, I managed to beat off the cabbage whites and they're netted from the hens and pigeons. After all that they go and bolt!
Could it be the earth is not firm enough? The kale in the same bed is doing fine!

maybe you didn't shut the door


sorry

[viettaclark]

Actually mos they HAVEN'T flowered! When I looked today there are smaller leaves curling at the tops so hearts could be forming! But the stalks are 20 inches or more high! Will they survive wind?
Have just looked on the packet and it says Tundra reach 24'' and Savoy Ormskirk Hardy reach 18'! DOH! Looks like I might have cabbage.......
Must wear my reading glasses.......

[DD.]

Bolting means they've flowered & run to seed earlier than they should. I think your use of this word got folk confused!

If they're large healthy plants, there should be no problem.

You say though that you manured AND fertisiled, perhaps you could expand on this as you can over-do it. For instance, liming and fertilising with something like Growmore will produce and excess of nitrogen, leading to rapid growth when you intially plant, rather than a slow growth over winter.

[mumofstig]

Vietta, did you plant them deeper when you transplanted them? This helps as well

[viettaclark]

I think I've been a paranoid idiot!!
I used the wrong word because they just ''bolted'' up and were really leggy. I even KNOW what real bolting IS but assumed too much!
After the hassles with caterpillars seething on the seedlings, getting netting and preparing the bed I felt really depressed when I thought I'd lost them!
I thought I did everything right....garden compost, mushroom compost (lime in it) and a bit of Growmore. The beds had beans in before and I left the roots in. I planted them nice and deep to the first leaves about 10'' apart to allow for thinning and kept them well watered. As I type I'm seeing exactly why they grew so tall....too many nutrients and too close together!! Also, I didn't expect them to BE that big because I DIDN'T READ THE PACKETS PROPERLY!!
I've been down to see them again today, thinned out the weedy ones (dinner!) so they're further apart and they are definitely hearting rather than budding.
I'm just SOOOO grateful to you all for making me realise what a fool I am! All good experience but I'm sure I'm going to have to stake these beasties!
MY swede are swelling in this rain as well so I'm a happy bunny!!

[mumofstig]

Yay I like it when things turn out OK in the end...it's all a learning curve and sometimes steep

Code: [Select]

MY swede are swelling in this rain as well so I'm a happy bunny!!
Haven't looked for a couuple of days, so I hope mine will be as well Note to self: remember to transplant on time in future

[birmancats]

I'm sure a brief period of cold can cause them to bolt