To harvest lettuce effectively and encourage continued growth, you can use these common methods:
1. Cut-and-Come-Again Method (Best for Leaf Lettuce)
- Wait until outer leaves are about 4 to 6 inches long.
- Using sharp scissors or a knife, cut or pinch off the larger outer leaves about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the base, leaving the central growing point intact.
- This allows the plant to keep producing new leaves for weeks, extending your harvest season.
- Harvest in the morning for crisp leaves or late afternoon/evening to reduce nitrate content in leaves.
- Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once to keep it healthy
2. Harvesting the Whole Head (For Head Lettuce Types)
- When the head is fully formed and dense (like iceberg or romaine), use a sharp knife to cut the entire plant close to the ground.
- This method is used when you want to clear the spot for new planting or if the plant is about to bolt.
- You can also pull the whole plant with roots intact to keep it fresh during transport
3. Harvesting Individual Leaves
- Snip leaves one or two at a time from the outer edges using garden scissors.
- This method is gentle and perfect for small, frequent harvests without disturbing the plant’s growth.
- Leaves can be picked as needed, allowing the plant to continue growing
Additional Tips
- Harvest on dry days to prevent rot and prolong shelf life.
- For continuous harvest, succession sow every two weeks or interplant with taller crops for shade.
- Stop harvesting when the plant bolts (sends up a flower stalk), as leaves become bitter
By following these methods, you can enjoy fresh lettuce over an extended period rather than a single harvest
