Swedes, commonly referred to as turnips in the UK, are versatile root vegetables prized for their sweet and earthy flavour profile.
However, one of the challenges in swede cultivation is the occurrence of bolting, particularly during the spring months in the second year. This article delves into the intricate process of bolting in swedes, focusing on its timing, causes, and implications on crop quality.
Bolting in Swedes
Swedes are biennial plants, typically cultivated as annuals. In their first year of growth, swedes develop a robust root system and leafy greens, storing energy for the subsequent flowering and seed production in their second year.
Bolting, the premature formation of flowers and subsequent seed production, is a natural response to environmental triggers.
In the UK, swedes are sown in the late spring or early summer, allowing them to develop during the cooler months. However, as the days lengthen and temperatures rise in spring, swedes enter a critical phase where the risk of bolting increases significantly. March and April mark the period when swedes are most susceptible to bolting, especially if they have experienced a period of chilling temperatures followed by a sudden warm spell.
Causes of Bolting
Several factors contribute to the onset of bolting in swedes. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 20°C (68°F) can trigger hormonal changes within the plant, stimulating the change from vegetative growth to reproductive development.
Additionally, fluctuations in day length, moisture stress, and nutrient imbalances can increase the susceptibility of swedes to bolting.
Impact on Crop Quality
When swedes bolt, their energy allocation shifts towards flower and seed production, leading to undesirable changes in their internal composition.
The root portion of bolting swedes often becomes fibrous and stringy, rendering them unpalatable for consumption. The texture becomes coarse, and the flavour may become bitter or unpleasant.
Final Thoughts..
Bolting poses a significant challenge in the second year of swede cultivation, causing the crop to become unmarketable for human consumption. Understanding the timing of bolting is essential for growers to get their swedes harvested and into storage, or to allocate the remainder of the swede crop to be sold for animal feed.
