I am growing turnips and planted them in late April. They look like they are starting to flower and I fear this is too soon. Have they bolted? Is it too late to prevent this? Will cutting off the flowering tips help or should I just let them go to seed at this stage? I am based in Dublin and we had that cold snap at the beginning of May and recently had a few warm sunny days (before the current deluge of rain). The turnips are planted in a relatively shady part of my garden where they might get a few hours of sun in mid-morning and then another few when the sun comes around again in the evening. Orla
Hi Orla,
You've identified the reason they bolted - turnip plants are prone to bolt when they experience rapid heat/drought and cool temperatures in quick succession. You can pick the flower before it opens and cook in a similar way to rapini (broccoli raab). If you're luck you might get a few rounds of flower bud to eat. As for growing turnips from the plant - once it bolts you're out of luck, best to sow or plant again. Happy growing!