Bolting is a term used in horticulture to describe the production of a flowering stem on agricultural and horticultural crops before the harvesting of a crop, at a stage when a plant makes a natural attempt to produce seeds and to reproduce). The flowering stems are usually vigorous extensions of existing leaf-bearing stems, and to produce them, a plant diverts resources from producing the edible parts, resulting in changes in flavor and texture, withering, and in general, a poor-quality harvest). Plants that have produced flowering stems in this way are said to have bolted. Crops inclined to bolt include lettuce, basil, beetroot, brassicas, spinach, celery, onion, and leek). Bolting is induced by plant hormones of the gibberellin family, and can occur as a result of several factors, including changes in day-length, the prevalence of high temperatures at particular stages in a plants growth-cycle, and the existence of stresses such as insufficient water or minerals). Once these conditions have been met, plants that require such a trigger will subsequently bolt - regardless of subsequent temperatures). Plants under stress may respond by bolting so that they can produce seeds before they die.

To prevent bolting, gardeners can take several steps, including planting in the right season, using bolt-resistant varieties, providing adequate nutrition, consistent watering, and reducing stress as much as possible. For example, many cool-season or frost-tolerant crops like broccoli, lettuce, or radishes mature better before temperatures get into the 80s, so gardeners can plan accordingly. Some varieties, such as Boltardy beets, are specifically bred to be resistant to bolting. Gardeners can also support the overall health of plants by providing adequate nutrition, consistent watering, and reducing stress as much as possible.