Pruning guide
How to prune lettuce
More lettuce care
Pruning lettuce — FAQ
When should I prune lettuce?
Harvest outer leaves continuously; remove dead leaves as needed. Cut outer leaves with scissors or snap them off at the base, leaving the growing centre intact. Remove yellowed, slug-damaged, or rotting leaves promptly. When a flower stalk appears, remove the plant — it will not recover usable leaves after bolting.
How often does lettuce need pruning?
Every 1-2 weeks (harvest/tidy); replace plant after bolting. Lettuce doesn't require pruning in the traditional sense. For loose-leaf varieties, practice cut-and-come-again harvesting — take outer leaves regularly and the plant regrows from the centre. Remove any yellow or rotting leaves at the base to prevent disease. Once lettuce bolts (sends up a flower stalk) the leaves become bitter; pull the plant.
How do you prune lettuce?
Cut outer leaves with scissors or snap them off at the base, leaving the growing centre intact. Remove yellowed, slug-damaged, or rotting leaves promptly. When a flower stalk appears, remove the plant — it will not recover usable leaves after bolting.