Bolting is a term used to describe the production of a flowering stem on agricultural and horticultural crops before the harvesting of a crop). It is a natural process that occurs when a plant reaches maturity and produces seeds for the next generation. However, it can be a nuisance for gardeners when crops put on a vertical growth spurt to flower and set seed before the vegetables are ready for harvest. Bolting is usually triggered by environmental factors such as a rise in temperature, a cold period, changes in day length, or other plant stresses). When stress goes on long enough, plants switch their energy to survival of the species and therefore form flowers for reproduction, thus bolting.

Bolting is most commonly seen in cool-season or frost-tolerant crops like lettuce, cilantro, or radishes. Signs that a plant might be bolting are when it gets taller than its maturity height and flower heads appear. In many cases, these changes make the vegetable flavor bitter, stems or roots woody, and, in general, unpalatable.

To prevent bolting, gardeners can take several steps, including planting in the right season, sowing quick-maturing plants regularly, and choosing varieties that are "bolt resistant", "long standing", or are described as "holding well" or having a long harvest period. Some varieties, such as Boltardy beets, are specifically bred to be resistant to bolting). Good growing conditions, such as adequate watering and fertilization, can also encourage rapid growth and formation of a usable portion of the plant before flower production.