Lettuces are easy to grow. Seed extraction is worthwhile for some varieties. This is especially true for old and rare varieties that are not available in every garden store. In order for this to succeed, the plants must flower.
If you want to harvest lettuce seeds, you have to let the lettuce bloom
When lettuce develops fruit
Lettuces belong to different families and have different forms of growth. Many typical varieties form a basal leaf rosette in the first year. They are biennials and, after overwintering, flower the following season. There are also annual species that develop flowers and seeds in the same year they are sown:
- Varieties of lettuce can be annual or biennial
- Lamb's lettuce grows annually
- Arugula is usually annual and occasionally biennial
- Garden lettuce is annual or biennial
When salads shoot
When conditions are sub-optimal, many lettuces tend to bolt. They form flowers early and reduce the storage of energy in the leaves. Biennial species therefore occasionally bloom in the first year. Such plants are suitable for harvesting seeds. However, you run the risk that the offspring will also tend to bloom prematurely.
gain seed
Leave a few strong specimens for seed production. Their seeds guarantee high germination. Continue care until flowering. Winter protection is necessary for biennial species so that the rootstocks are protected from cold and winter drought. Once the flower stalks grow, periodically remove dead leaves. Otherwise there is a risk that the flowering stem will rot.
harvest time
When the seeds are ripe depends on the species. In the case of lettuce, the ripening period extends from twelve to 24 days after flowering. Ideally, the seeds ripen in a dry season, because the tender seeds are easily washed away by the rain. Damp weather favors the spread of mold in the withering fruit carriers.
tips
Crush a seed pod between your thumb and forefinger. If this crumbles, the seed is ready to be harvested.
method
The best seed is in the central flowers just off the main stem. Pick the dry pods off the plants and use tweezers to remove the seeds. Store them in a cloth bag to prevent rotting.