Book 29, Question 46 · Video
Why do lettuce and spinach suddenly shoot up and turn bitter?
When days get long and hot, lettuce, spinach, and radishes may send up a tall flower stalk. This is called bolting. The plant is trying to make seeds before summer ends. Once it bolts, the leaves often taste bitter. Gardeners grow these crops in cool spring or fall, provide shade, and keep soil moist to delay bolting.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do lettuce and spinach suddenly shoot up and turn bitter?
The Big Idea
Lettuce can suddenly shoot up tall! Then the leaves taste bitter. Why does that happen?
Long, Hot Days
Step one: Long, Hot Days. When days get long and hot, lettuce, spinach, and radishes may send up a tall flower stalk. This is called bolting.
Making Seeds
Step two: Making Seeds. The plant is trying to make seeds before summer ends. Once it bolts, the leaves often taste bitter.
Slowing It Down
Step three: Slowing It Down. Gardeners grow these crops in cool spring or fall. They also give shade and keep the soil moist to delay bolting.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Turn bitter. Shoots up. Bloom on top. The goal.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Bolting is the plant's way of making sure it makes seeds. Long, hot days trigger it. Grow in cool seasons. Shade helps delay it.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Plant lettuce seeds in spring. Plant more in late summer. Watch both crops. Write down when each one bolts. Which one bolted sooner?
Outro
When days get long and hot, lettuce, spinach, and radishes may bolt, sending up a tall flower stalk to make seeds before summer ends. The leaves turn bitter, so gardeners grow them in cool seasons with shade and moist soil. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!