Freshly picked lettuce from our own garden is always a pleasure. However, if it is shot early and flowers, is it still edible?

In a nutshell

  • Lettuce does not form closed heads, but rather loose rosettes
  • can be harvested several times and leaf by leaf as needed
  • under unfavorable conditions begins to form a stalk from the middle
  • Stem shoots up and forms flowers
  • Lettuce blooming, only partially or no longer edible

Flowering lettuce still edible?

In principle, lettuce that has already bloomed and grown can still be eaten, but with restrictions. During flowering, the lettuce plant forms bitter substances in its leaves to keep predators away. But the leaves are not only very bitter, but also smaller and harder. Despite everything, even when the flowering shoot has already developed, there are usually some tender leaves that are not yet bitter and can be eaten without any problems. The best thing to do is to remove the stem.

notice: The most popular varieties are 'Baby Leaf', 'Lollo Rosso', Lollo Bionda' as well as finger and oak leaf lettuce. They have both color and taste differences.

Why does lettuce shoot up?

Characteristics of a lettuce plant that has formed so-called spikes are a long stem growing from the center of the plant, which shoots up quickly and forms flowers. Depending on the variety and the time of sowing, the lettuce eventually forms flowers and seeds in order to multiply, is a completely natural process. However, if it has skyrocketed early on, it is very annoying. Various factors can be responsible for this.

  • Stress is one of the most common causes
  • caused by too dense planting
  • due to unfavorable ground conditions such as too solid ground
  • Cold, drought and high temperatures
  • Fungal and insect infestation of the roots
  • Tendency to shoot also depends on the variety
  • or wrong sowing time
  • resort to bolt-resistant varieties as a preventive measure

Shoot up and prevent flowering

Appropriate measures can be taken to prevent lettuce from shooting up.

Observe sowing times

Characteristics such as a certain length of day and temperature are also important factors in relation to the time of sowing in lettuce. Both are only guaranteed if you sow neither too early nor too late. The cultivation time can be shortened by preferring the plants. For varieties that you only sow in spring or summer, you should use no-till. Basically, you should observe and comply with the information provided by the manufacturer regarding the sowing times. The lettuce plants can protect against cold stress in spring and great heat in summer.

Ensure optimal growth conditions

If the lettuce plants have shot, unfavorable growth conditions can be the cause. They trigger stress and the initiation of flowering in the plants. To counteract this, it is important to pay attention to good soil conditions, needs-based irrigation and sufficient planting distances. The bed in question should be well ventilated day and night to avoid heat build-up. In addition, you must act quickly in the event of disease or pest infestation.

Harvest at the right time

The harvest time depends on the lettuce variety, sowing and planting time. Once the ideal harvest stage has been exceeded, lettuce begins to sprout and flowers begin to form.

Prefer bolt-resistant varieties

There are now bolt-resistant varieties of lettuce too. You can harvest your leaves as needed over a long period of time.

frequently asked Questions

When are these salads ready to harvest?

They can usually be harvested six to seven weeks after sowing.

How is lettuce harvested correctly?

When harvesting lettuce, you always start with the outer large leaves, you practically harvest from the outside in. And the best way to do this is by picking off the leaves by hand. The heart of lettuce in the middle should remain. This is the only way fresh leaves can grow back.

What should the ideal location and soil be like?

Pick or cut lettuce thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations. As so-called medium to weak feeders, they need loose, permeable soil that is rich in nutrients and humus. In addition, after two to four years at the earliest, they should not be planted where lettuce or other composite plants have previously been.

Category:

Vegetable garden