So do the right thing

Start of harvest and harvest period

The sugar loaf comes into the garden bed sometime between mid-June and the end of July. This period applies to both the sowing as well as for the planting as well as for 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 for harvest as early as August

Harvest gradually as needed

Sugar loaf is always freshly prepared. It can neither be dried nor frozen without suffering an unacceptable loss of quality. That is why you should only harvest as much as you can use in the short term. The remaining sugar loaf plants are best kept in the bed, because there they will stay fresh for many weeks if the weather is good.

This is how sugar loaf is harvested

Harvesting sugar loaf is child's play. All you need is a sharp knife with which you can remove the root of the lettuce

cut off. It is best to place the knife blade directly above the ground. Outer leaves can be removed if they are damaged. Otherwise, the entire head of lettuce is washed and processed in a timely manner.

Extend harvest into winter

Sugar loaf that has not yet been harvested is allowed outside in the bed overwinter. Especially in mild regions of the country or in mild winters this is a viable option. It is important that the temperature does not drop below -5 ° C. After the first light frost, the taste 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 if it is long-lasting or severe frost threatens, the heads should rather be harvested. If stored correctly, Sugar Loaf can be kept indoors for up to two months. The outer, loose leaves must be removed beforehand. You can choose between different storage methods:

• Harvest sugar loaf by the roots
• then knock it loosely into damp sand
• or hang upside down in a cool room
• alternatively harvest without roots
• then wrap in damp newspaper and store in a cool place