How to Pick Garden Lettuce

How to Pick Garden Lettuce

Picking garden lettuce at the right time ensures you enjoy fresh, tender leaves with the best flavour and texture. Whether you’re growing loose-leaf varieties or crispheads, knowing when and how to harvest helps keep your plants productive and your salads delicious.

When to Harvest

Lettuce is usually ready to pick about 6 to 8 weeks after sowing, depending on the variety. For loose-leaf types, you can start harvesting once the leaves reach a usable size, often just a few weeks after planting. Crisphead lettuces take longer to form a full head, so patience is key.

Look for vibrant, firm leaves that are free from yellowing or wilting. Avoid harvesting during the hottest part of the day to keep leaves crisp and fresh.

How to Pick Loose-Leaf Lettuce

For loose-leaf varieties, harvest outer leaves individually as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This “cut and come again” method provides a continuous supply of fresh greens over several weeks.

Use clean scissors or garden shears to snip leaves about 2.5cm above the base to avoid damaging the plant.

How to Pick Crisphead Lettuce

For head lettuces, wait until the head feels firm and tight. Harvest by cutting the entire head off at the base with a sharp knife. To extend the growing season, you can also try cutting the head above the base to encourage new growth.

After Harvest Care

Wash freshly picked lettuce thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Spin or pat dry before storing in the fridge to keep leaves crisp.

Final Thoughts

Harvesting garden lettuce correctly enhances flavour, freshness and plant longevity. Whether picking individual leaves or full heads, timely and gentle harvesting lets you enjoy the best your garden can offer.