When to Harvest Each Variety in Your Kit
Each variety has specific harvest signals. Here’s the complete chart for every ZOMAE kit variety.
Vegetable Harvest Chart
| Variety | Days | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Radish | 25 | Root pokes out, 1 inch wide |
| Lettuce | 45-60 | Leaves 4-6 inches. Harvest outer |
| Spinach | 40-50 | Leaves 4-6 inches. Harvest outer |
| Kale | 55-65 | Leaves 6-8 inches. Harvest outer |
| Bush Bean | 50-55 | Pods 4-6 inches, firm |
| Zucchini | 50-55 | Fruit 6-8 inches |
| Cucumber | 55-65 | Fruit 6-8 inches, firm |
| Cherry Tomato | 60-70 | Fully colored, comes off easily |
| Bush Tomato | 65-75 | Fully colored, gives slightly |
| Pepper | 70-90 | Full size, color turning |
| Carrot | 70-80 | Top pokes out, 3/4 inch wide |
| Beet | 55-70 | Top 1-2 inches wide |
| Broccoli | 60-80 | Head 4-6 inches, tight buds |
| Peas | 60-70 | Pods plump, peas visible |
Herb Harvest Chart
| Herb | Days | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | 50-60 | 6-8 inches tall, top leaves |
| Cilantro | 45-55 | 6-8 inches, before bolting |
| Parsley | 70-90 | Stems 6+ inches |
| Chives | 60+ | 6+ inches, cut to 2 inches |
| Dill | 40-50 | 6-8 inches, before flowering |
| Mint | 60+ | 6+ inches, top leaves |
Flower Harvest Chart
| Flower | Days | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Zinnia | 60-70 | Fully open, stem firm |
| Cosmos | 60-75 | Open, before full fade |
| Sunflower | 60-90 | Petals open, back brown |
| Marigold | 50-60 | Fully open |
| Calendula | 50-60 | Fully open, morning |
The 3 Rules
- Harvest in the morning.
- Harvest often.
- Harvest outer leaves first.
Common Questions
What if I harvest too early? Flavor is less developed. Not harmful.
What if I harvest too late? Vegetables get woody, bitter, or bolt.
Should I harvest everything at once? No. Harvest as you need.
How long do harvested vegetables last? Lettuce: 5-7 days refrigerated. Tomatoes: 3-5 days room temp.
Can I harvest leaves from young plants? Yes, for lettuce, kale, and herbs.
What’s “cut and come again”? Lettuce and kale grow back after cutting.