Readers ask: When to pick romaine lettuce?

How many times can you harvest romaine lettuce?

Keep an eye on the inner leaves of the romaine head and give them time to continue growing. Once they‘ve opened up and matured, they‘re ready to harvest. This process can happen quickly, so check on your garden daily. You‘ll be able to get 3–4 additional harvests by picking only the mature, outermost leaves each time.

When can you start harvesting romaine lettuce?

Romaine lettuce is generally ready to harvest at 70 to 75 days after planting. Excited home gardeners don’t have to wait that long, however, to sample the fruits of their labor.

How do you pick lettuce so it keeps growing?

Cut the outer lettuce leaves about 1 inch above the crown. This protects the crown so the lettuce can continue growing. Cut off the amount of lettuce needed when the leaves reach a length between 3 and 6 inches. Water the lettuce regularly to encourage continued growth even after you begin harvesting.

Should romaine lettuce be cut or torn?

Using brisk cutting motions, cut lettuce only if you plan to use it right away; cutting tends to split lettuce in the middle of cell. Tear lettuce for meals that you want to keep for later; tearing lettuce tends to break it along the natural cell walls. In my experience lettuce will brown faster if cut instead of torn.

Does lettuce grow back every year?

Head lettuce will die back, but most leaf-lettuce plants renew efforts to produce leaves, if regularly watered after trimming. Results will often be smaller than the original plant, but you may be able to harvest a second, good-tasting crop within as little as two weeks.

How do you harvest romaine mini lettuce?

Harvest the entire baby romaine plant when it reaches 6 to 8 inches tall, about 50 to 60 days after germination. Cut the plant off at soil level with a sharp knife. For an earlier harvest, remove outer leaves when they are 30 days old, but leave the rest of the plant to continue growing to maturity.

Why is my romaine lettuce growing so tall?

ANSWER: Lettuce plants that suddenly start stretching toward the sky and growing extra tall are likely to be bolting. From the time bolting begins, it takes six to eight weeks for seeds to mature. It’s impossible to keep your lettuce from bolting because bolting is a necessary part of the plant’s growth cycle.

How do you trim romaine lettuce?

Slice the head of romaine in half lengthwise to create two long halves of lettuce. Turn cut side up and cut the core from each half by using an angled cut to make a triangle shape. Remove and discard the core. Now, turn the cut side down, and slice the lettuce again lengthwise into thirds or quarters.

How do restaurants get lettuce so crisp?

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.

How do you know when lettuce is ready to harvest?

Lettuce leaves are ready for harvest when they have grown to about 3 to 6-inches long. More leaves will grow back before the lettuce plant “bolts” or turns to mostly bitter-tasting, tough stems and seeds.

What is the best time to grow lettuce?

Lettuce is a cool weather crop and is best grown in spring and fall. The seeds germinate in temperatures as low as 40 F (4 C) but its ideal germination and growing temperature is between 60 and 65 F (16 to 18 C). To grow great lettuce, find a site that offers at least six to eight hours of direct sun.

How do you prepare romaine lettuce for a salad?

Preparing Romaine Lettuce



Remove and discard any bruised, wilted or discolored leaves. Wash thoroughly under cold running water, separating the leaves to expose any buried grit or dirt. Dry leaves thoroughly by using a salad spinner or by patting them between layers of paper towels.

How do you keep romaine lettuce fresh after washing?

Keep Lettuce Fresh Longer

1. Wash your lettuce, and remove any damaged leaves.
2. Dry your lettuce thoroughly.
3. Wrap the lettuce in a dry paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or storage container.
4. To maintain the proper temperature and moisture level, store your lettuce in the crisper drawer in your fridge.

How do you make romaine lettuce last longer?

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.