HomeblogNo use shutting the stable door… Generally, a bolting lettuce is a bad thing. The leaves are so sour you can’t eat them, and all your efforts in watering the plant and protecting it from slugs are entirely wasted. But some people grow lettuces just to see them bolt. Why? Firstly, a bolted lettuce is a thing of beauty. You might not be able to eat it, but a three-foot leafy spire makes a stunning exclamation mark in an ornamental border or potager bed. I have seen gardeners who have interplanted lollo rosso with green cos lettuces, allowed them to bolt, and chuckled as visitors try to work out what those stunning, almost italianate pyramid plants are. These lettuces are in the potager at Parham House in Sussex. The second is a matter of economy. When a lettuce bolts, it is answering nature and producing flowers and seed. And once that seed is ripe, it is yours for the keeping, and for the sowing, and then for the eating. Allowing a small patch of lettuces to bolt every year means you can become self-sufficient for salads, no longer shelling out more money every year for new seed. All you need to do is wait for the seed pods to develop, pull up the plant and hang it upside down in a paper bag until dry. Then, rub the seeds off into an envelope, and store in the fridge until needed. Share this:Share Online treasuresUK Online Casinos Not On Gamstop Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Name* Email* Website Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.
