How to prune butterhead lettuce

Harvest outer leaves from 4–6 weeks after transplanting; harvest full heads before bolting in warm weather. For cut-and-come-again, snap or cut outer leaves at the base, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. For full-head harvest, cut the whole plant at soil level with a sharp knife. Remove yellowed or diseased outer leaves promptly.

As needed; harvest-driven rather than pruning-driven. Butterhead lettuce does not need pruning in the traditional sense. Harvest whole heads at maturity, or use a cut-and-come-again approach by removing outer leaves as needed. Remove any yellowing outer leaves to improve airflow. If the plant bolts (sends up a flower stem), it turns bitter — harvest immediately or compost.

For cut-and-come-again, snap or cut outer leaves at the base, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. For full-head harvest, cut the whole plant at soil level with a sharp knife. Remove yellowed or diseased outer leaves promptly.