Mizuna seedlings flowering/bolting? - Ask Extension
Hello,
I started mustard seeds inside about four weeks ago and started the hardening off process 3 days ago, in preparation for transplanting outsi...
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Mizuna seedlings flowering/bolting? #740525
Asked March 24, 2021, 11:44 AM EDT
Hello,
I started mustard seeds inside about four weeks ago and started the hardening off process 3 days ago, in preparation for transplanting outside. I noticed that my Mustard (Miz America) looks like its bolting (see pictures). It also looks like its forming little seed pods. Is this normal? Is it bad for the plant's development? If it is bad for the plant, what can I do to fix it?
I have kept the seedlings in a protected location outside (porch) and they have only gotten about 30 minutes of direct sunlight since the hardening off process has begun. I have grow lights on the plants for about 12 hours per day. All my other seedlings look fine and don't look like their bolting (see pictures). They have been getting consistent watering.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Naomi
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Naomi,
Yes, these Mizuna look like they're bolting; we see what look like young flower buds (seed pods don't form until much later). All you can do for now is to pinch-off the flower stem to divert some of the plant's resources back in to foliage and root growth. It's likely some environmental condition(s) triggered this: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/flower-stalks-form-vegetables Once they are able to be planted outside, they will hopefully remain in vegetative growth (non-flowering) long enough for harvest.
Miri
Thank you! I jumped the gun yesterday before receiving your reply and did just that. Hopefully pinching off the flowers will do the trick. Thank you so much for your help Miri!
You're welcome!
