Whether you’re growing tender looseleaf varieties or full-headed romaine and butterhead types, harvesting lettuce at the right time — and using the right method — ensures you enjoy crisp, flavorful greens while encouraging continued production.
When Is Lettuce Ready to Harvest?
Lettuce is best picked when:
- Leaves are full-sized but still soft and pliable, not tough or leathery
- Heads (romaine or butterhead) feel firm when gently squeezed
- It’s still cool outside — early morning is ideal for crispness and minimal wilting
Don’t wait too long. If the center begins to elongate or leaves taste bitter, the plant may be bolting (going to seed).
Two Harvesting Methods
1. Cut-and-Come-Again (Looseleaf Varieties)
- Snip outer leaves 1 inch above the crown
- Leave the center intact — new leaves will grow back in 7–10 days
- Allows multiple harvests per plant
Perfect for: Green leaf, red leaf, oakleaf, and mesclun mixes
2. Full-Head Harvest (Romaine, Butterhead, Crisphead)
- Use a sharp knife or garden shears
- Cut the plant at the base, just above the soil line
- Remove outer leaves and rinse gently
This method gives you the full head at peak flavor and freshness.
Post-Harvest Tips
- Rinse in cool water
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rot
- Store in a breathable bag in the fridge — heads last up to 2 weeks, loose leaves 5–7 days
With AiFarming: You’ll get harvest alerts based on crop variety and growing conditions, with harvest-style suggestions to match your space and preferences — whether you want a quick leaf pick or a full basket of heads.