How And When To Harvest Leaf Lettuce - Gardener's Path

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Particularly if you live somewhere where Jack Frost arrives in autumn, or if it’s already pretty hot in late spring, choose a fast-maturing type to grow if you’d like to produce a supply of large leaves.

‘Red Sails,’ for example, produces baby leaves in 20 days and is fully grown in 45 days. It develops bronzed-tipped crinkly green leaves that reach 10 to 12 inches high, and spread about the same distance.

A close up vertical image of a seed packet of 'Red Sails' lettuce with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘Red Sails’

‘Red Sails’ seeds are available from Botanical Interests in one-gram packets.

‘Green Ice’ also reaches maturity in 45 days, with a final height of 10 to 12 inches. It’s slow to bolt, too, and crispier than most other leaf types of lettuce.

A close up square image of a 'Green Ice' lettuce isolated on a white background.

‘Green Ice’

‘Green Ice’ seeds are available from True Leaf Market in a variety of package sizes.

Local Growing Conditions

To increase the likelihood that you can harvest leaves after they reach full size and before they bolt or freeze, schedule sowing in the appropriate time frame.

A close up horizontal image of lettuce and other vegetables growing under a cold frame.

Some folks who live in warm areas extend this window by planting varieties that will withstand summer’s heat without bolting.

There are also loose-leaf varieties bred specifically for those growing in colder areas. ‘Grand Rapids,’ for example, produces extra-large, frilly leaves that mature in 55 days, and can withstand temps as low as -35°F.

A close up square image of 'Grand Rapids' lettuce growing in the garden. To the bottom right of the frame is a white circular logo with text.

‘Grand Rapids’

‘Grand Rapids’ seeds are available in various packet sizes and in bulk up to 25 pounds from True Leaf Market.

If you know your local temperature range might not allow for a late spring or early summer harvest, consider sowing your crop in part shade so it will last longer in the warm months without bolting.

You can also start seeds indoors a few weeks ahead of your growing zone’s average last frost date, or purchase transplants for early spring. This will hasten the harvest in areas with short seasons.

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