The answers will come in little bits and pieces – sorry, I have not much time in one sit currently.

At the onset of reproduction many minerals are needed to form reproductive tissues – just as in a pregnant woman if there is not enough reserve, material from the “body” will be mobilized and transferred into these new built tissues to ensure that the next generation is well equipped. This leaves malnutrition in the rest. Usually in lettuces you can see this happen something like 10 days before you get the idea that this lettuce has the intention of bolting