Harvesting heads of lettuce is done by cutting them away from the stalk when the head is still firm. Use a sharp knife and simply make a clean cut below the head through the stem. The outer leaves may be removed if needed. Morning is the best time for the harvest as heads will be at their freshest.
How do you pick a full head of lettuce?
To harvest head lettuces (romaine, iceberg, or loose-head varieties like bibb, Boston, buttercrunch, etc.)
- Using a sharp knife or scissors, clip the entire head of lettuce at the base of the plant.
- Head lettuces can also regrow, so make sure to leave about an inch of the plant above the soil surface so it can regrow.
How do you know when to pick head lettuce?
You can expect to pick your lettuce heads about 65-70 days after sowing when planted in the fall, and almost 100 days when picking from a winter crop. Harvest heads of lettuce in the coolness of the morning.
Do you pick lettuce from the top or bottom?
long, you can begin harvesting leaf lettuce. Simply snip either single outer leaves or grab a bunch of them and cut them with shears or scissors an inch (2.5 cm.) above the crown of the plant. If you cut into or below the crown, the plant will probably die, so be careful.
How many heads of lettuce do you get from one plant?
By harvesting leaf lettuce through trimming it a few inches above the soil, you can get two to three harvests from one planting.
Why is it called a head of lettuce?
The term head lettuce describes those varieties on which the leaves grow in a dense rosette. Leaf lettuce describes the varieties with leaves that branch from a single stalk in a loose bunch rather than forming a tight head.
What is the best time of day to pick lettuce?
Lettuce: Pick lettuce in the cool early morning while they leaves are still crisp. Lettuce can be harvested as delicate baby greens, or as crisp, full-bodied heads. To harvest by the “Cut and Come Again,” method, cut with a scissors when lettuces reach about 4-5 inches tall to about 2” above the soil line.
Will lettuce regrow after cutting?
Lettuce regrows once its leaves have been cut or picked off the main stem. As long as the root is intact in the ground and there are at least 1-2 inches of stem and leaves at the base, lettuce will shoot new growth in as little as a week. The cut-and-come-again harvesting method is the most popular.
How many times can you regrow lettuce?
So, as long as you’re staying within their optimal growing conditions, you can harvest from lettuce at least three or four times each.
Where is the crown of the lettuce?
All lettuces produce leaves out of a central crown in the middle of the plant. By leaving the crown intact, you are keeping the plant alive and growing. Harvest the lower or outer-most leaves around the crown.
How do restaurants get lettuce so crisp?
But removing the air is exactly the opposite of what lettuce needs. Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture, in order to stay crisp. That’s why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it’s held in the fridge.
Where are the seeds in a head of lettuce?
Well, technically speaking, lettuce plants don’t really form seed pods. Instead, the seeds are located inside of the flower head. Though, once they are filled with seeds, the dried flowers do look very much like oval-shaped pods.
How much lettuce should I plant for a family of 4?
Planting a vegetable garden for a family
| Crop (number of plants per ft. of row) | Number of plants per person |
|---|---|
| Leaf lettuce (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row) | 24 plants |
| Melon (1 plant/6 ft. of row) | 1-2 plants |
| Onion (4 sets/ft. of row) | 12-20 sets |
| Peas (6 plants/ft. of row) | 15-20 plants |
How often should lettuce be watered?
Lettuce has shallow roots, so plants need consistent watering. Check at least twice a week and water if the soil is dry down to 1 inch deep. Containers of lettuce need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, especially in the summer.
Is a head of lettuce the same as iceberg lettuce?
The term can be used to describe any kind of lettuce that forms what we call a “head.” If you’ve ever looked at iceberg lettuce in the vegetable section of your local supermarket, you can tell that it is head lettuce. So, while not all head lettuce is iceberg lettuce, all iceberg lettuce is head lettuce.
What is the head of a lettuce?
Head lettuce should be washed thoroughly, in a salad spinner, if possible. Head lettuce, also known as iceberg lettuce, is a dense rosette of leaves that forms a tight ball about the size of a human head.
Is iceberg lettuce head lettuce?
Iceberg is a head lettuce, meaning it grows in a ball rather than leafy form, and it is known for its comparatively small, densely packed heads. The outer leaves are bright green in color, while the inner leaves and heart are light green to yellow and sometimes even white.
How do you store lettuce?
Proper air circulation and a small amount of moisture will keep your lettuce crisp and fresh. The easiest (and most effective) way to do this is to line a sturdy glass or plastic container with a few paper towels, then scatter your greens on top. Top with a matching lid and refrigerate.
Does iceberg lettuce regrow after cutting?
Yes, iceberg lettuce will regrow after cutting. Cut off the bottom of the head of lettuce and place it in a bowl or vase with water. The lettuce will start to regrow within two weeks. You can then harvest the regrown lettuce and eat it.
Why do you harvest lettuce in the morning?
It’s also best to pick lettuce early in the morning when it is at its peak flavor and texture. If you wait until the afternoon to pick it, lettuce tends to be limp and slightly dried out. your fingers and pluck off the outer leaves as needed. For Bibb lettuce varieties, you can harvest them anytime.
Do lettuce plants keep producing?
Lettuce plants will continue to produce new leaves until the plant begins to flower and make new seeds. When mature plants begin to set lettuce seed like this it is called “bolting” in gardening circles. When you see this happening — a sturdy seed stalk will emerge from the center of the plant — stop harvesting.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.