How to Pick Loose Leaf Lettuce

Red leaf lettuce adds color and flavor to fresh salads.

Loose leaf lettuce, sometimes called leaf lettuce, forms crisp leaves on a short upright stalks. These leaves form loosely -- as opposed to forming in a head -- earning it its name. Sown in early spring, lettuce performs best at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When weather warms, lettuce may bolt forming a seed stalk. Leaves become bitter and stunted. Harvesting lettuce before the heat of summer is necessary for a crisp, tender crop.

Things You'll Need

• Knife

Instructions

1. Pick loose leaf lettuce as soon as the outer leaves are 2 to 4 inches tall, by tearing or cutting the outer leaves from the plant. This allows the tender inner leaves to continue growing and prolongs the harvesting period.

2. Cut the entire plant to the soil level, once the plants are 4 to 5 inches high to allow room for other plants to mature. Cut every other plant in the row. New growth may appear from the cut plants producing a new crop of tender young leaves.

3. Wash leaf lettuce in cold water and allow the leaves to dry before serving. A salad spinner works well, but leaves can also be dried by blotting with a paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick lettuce just before serving for the best flavor.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Growing and Preparing Leaf Lettuce; Alice Henneman
• University of Illinois; Lettuce; Ron Wolford, et al.
• Ohio State University Extension; Growing Lettuce in the Home Garden; Marianne Riofrio

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension; Lettuce Varieties; Sherry Rindels; April 1994