In contrast to many other lettuce, sugar loaf is sown or planted late. Consequently, the harvest time should be found in the second half of the year. But when exactly can we enjoy the tender, green leaves and how are the heads harvested correctly?

Sugar Loaf can be harvested leaf by leaf

Start of harvest and harvest period

Sometime between mid-June and the end of July, the sugar loaf comes into the garden bed. This period applies to both sowing and planting, as well as planting seedlings. After another eight to twelve weeks, the heads are ready to be harvested.

  • Harvest begins at the end of September/beginning of October
  • seedlings planted early are ready to harvest in August

Harvest gradually as needed

Sugar loaf is always freshly prepared. It cannot be dried or frozen without suffering an unacceptable loss of quality. Therefore, you should only ever harvest as much as you can consume in the short term. The remaining sugar loaf plants are best kept in the bed, because there they stay fresh for many weeks in good weather.

This is how sugar loaf is harvested

Harvesting sugar loaf is child's play. All you need is a sharp knife to cut the head of lettuce from the root. It is best to position the knife blade directly above the ground. Outer sheets can be removed if damaged. Otherwise, the entire head of lettuce is washed and processed promptly.

Extend harvest into winter

Sugar loaf that has not yet been harvested can overwinter outside in the bed. This is a viable option, especially in mild regions of the country or in mild winters. It is important that the temperature does not drop below -5 °C. After the first light frost, the flavor of the leaves becomes even milder and sweeter.

Store sugar loaf for a while

If the sugar loaf in the bed is exposed to continuous rain or there is a threat of long-lasting or severe frost, the heads should be harvested. If stored properly, sugar loaf can be kept indoors for up to two months. The outer, loose leaves must first be removed. You can choose between different storage methods:

  • Harvest sugar loaf with the root
  • then pound loosely in moist sand
  • or hang upside down in a cool room
  • alternatively harvest without root
  • Then wrap in damp newspaper and store in a cool place

tips

Make sure that individual sugar loaf heads do not touch each other during storage, otherwise they can rot or get bruises.

Category:

Vegetable garden