1. the process of a plant producing seed pods or flower buds; the stage at which a plant begins to form its reproductive structures
Usage: chiefly British; agricultural/botanical term

1. to produce or form seed pods, flower buds, or reproductive structures (of a plant)
Usage: chiefly British; agricultural/botanical term

Examples

• The wheat is bolling and should be ready to harvest in a few weeks.
• When the crop begins bolling, farmers monitor it closely for pests.
• The bolling stage is critical for determining the final yield.
• These plants bolt and ball earlier in warm weather.
• Farmers watch for bolling as a sign that flowering is near.