Growing Tips
- Lettuce seeds can be sown straight into the garden (or pots) or you can start them off in trays or punnets first.
- Keep the seeds moist while they germinate and start to grow. ...
- The quicker lettuce grows, the more tender and sweet it is! ...
- You don’t need to pick the whole lettuce. ...
- Water at soil level, rather than overhead, to minimise risk of disease.
How can I successfully grow lettuce?
- Fertilizing: Lettuce grows quick and needs nutrients. ...
- Watering: Lettuce enjoys frequent light watering due to its shallow roots and quick growth. ...
- Mulch: Organic mulches (e. ...
- Companions: Common companion crops include carrots, radishes, strawberries, cucumbers and onions.
Which lettuce is easiest to grow?
What is the best lettuce to grow?
- Ithaca Iceberg Lettuce. Photo credit: Pixabay. …
- Nevada Summer Crisp Lettuce. …
- Tom Thumb Butterhead Lettuce. …
- Parris Island Romaine Lettuce. …
- Coastline Summer Crisp Lettuce. …
- Ice Green Loose-Leaf Lettuce. …
- Flashy Butter Oak Lettuce. …
- Summer Bibb Butterhead Lettuce.
When to start planting lettuce?
When to Plant Lettuce
- Soil temperatures between 45°F and 65°F (7°C and 18°C) are ideal. ...
- Direct sowing is recommended. ...
- Or, to get a head start, start seeds indoors about 1 month before your last spring frost date. ...
What is the best temperature to grow lettuce?
Lettuce prefers moist, cool conditions, and you don’t even have to worry about chilly weather because the seedlings can tolerate a light frost. In fact, these plants grow best when temperatures are between 45 and 65 F. (7-18 C.). Lettuce tastes more flavorful and the leaves remain tender when it grows quickly.
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How do you start a lettuce starter?
When sowing seeds directly into the soil, you should plant approximately 10 seeds per foot. Space your rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin leaf lettuce seedlings to 4 inches apart. Romaine and butterhead lettuce seedlings require 6 to 8 inches between each plant.
What month do you plant lettuce?
Lettuce is a cool weather crop and is best grown in spring and fall. The seeds germinate in temperatures as low as 40 F (4 C) but its ideal germination and growing temperature is between 60 and 65 F (16 to 18 C).
How do you grow lettuce step by step?
1:405:33How To Grow Lettuce - Step by Step - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI don't cover them up I just leave them on the surface at. Most. If you don't trust it. You can doMoreI don't cover them up I just leave them on the surface at. Most. If you don't trust it. You can do that a tiny little bit of compost. Just on it they really need light to germinate.
What is the best way to grow lettuce?
You can grow lots of lettuce in a small space, even a container. Mix it with other taller plants, such as tomatoes in the spring, or grow a mix of different varieties for a living salad bowl. Give lettuce fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of rich organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
How often should you water lettuce?
twice a weekLettuce has shallow roots, so plants need consistent watering. Check at least twice a week and water if the soil is dry down to 1 inch deep. Containers of lettuce need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, especially in the summer.
How many lettuce seeds are in a hole?
Determine how many seeds to plant - Outside, sow the seeds in rows 12-18" apart. Indoors, plant one per hole for fresh seeds, or 2-3 per hole if they're old. Plant the seeds - Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the garden soil or indoor trays, or plant them no more than 1/4" deep.
When should I start lettuce seeds indoors?
Start lettuce indoors 4 weeks before transplanting; sow or transplant lettuce into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Seed germinates in 2 to 10 days at or near 70°F (21°C)—but sometimes seed can take up to 2 weeks to germinate if the soil is cold.
How long does it take for lettuce to grow?
Most lettuce varieties mature in 45 to 55 days, allowing many gardeners to plant two or even three crops. But looseleaf and butterhead leaves can be harvested at just about any time in their development. Heading varieties take longer to mature. Romaine takes 75 to 85 days and crisphead 70 to 100 days.
Can lettuce be grown in pots?
Growing lettuce in containers requires the right type of pot and planting medium. Lettuce needs ample room for roots but you can grow several varieties in 6 to 12 inch (15-30.5 cm.) pots. The greens need a consistent supply of moisture as they are almost 95 percent water but cannot tolerate wet roots.
Does lettuce come back every year?
Head lettuce will die back, but most leaf-lettuce plants renew efforts to produce leaves, if regularly watered after trimming. Results will often be smaller than the original plant, but you may be able to harvest a second, good-tasting crop within as little as two weeks.
How do you pick lettuce so it keeps growing?
2:317:24How to Harvest Lettuce so it Keeps on Growing & Wash & Store ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn as long as you keep up with pinching off the outer leaves. The lettuce will continue to grow.MoreIn as long as you keep up with pinching off the outer leaves. The lettuce will continue to grow.
Does lettuce need fertilizer?
Fertilize as often as every two weeks, with liquid fertilizer from a watering can, or granules scattered around the plants and watered in. Fertilizer helps plump up the leaves and chase away the bitterness so often found in garden-grown lettuce. And it helps keep it growing.
Can I plant lettuce in May?
Lettuce can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the early spring. Depending on the variety you plant, lettuce seed will germinate at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideal germination temperature is 70 to 75 degrees1.
How late can lettuce be planted?
The lettuce growing season begins in early spring and extends through fall for northern U.S. climates. In warmer areas, such as southern Florida, lettuce can also be grown outdoors throughout the winter.
What type of lettuce is easiest to grow?
Loose leaf lettuce, which refers to varieties that don't form any type of head, is considered the easiest to grow. It matures in 40-45 days, but no need to wait that long to enjoy it!
When should fall lettuce be planted?
1. Planting Times: When to plant Fall lettuce? If you are planning on growing lettuce in the fall the most important thing to keep in mind is the timing of when you plant those seeds. You should aim to start getting seeds in the ground about 60 days before your first frost date.
What do you need to grow Lettuce?
While growing lettuce is not difficult, you will still need some equipment for it that I listed for you below:
When should I start growing lettuce indoors?
In fact, if you start indoors, you can start out as early as mid of March while I recommend you to wait until the end of April if you want to grow your lettuce outdoors from seed to harvest.
What Types and Varieties of Lettuce can you grow?
Before we get into the actual planning process for growing lettuce, you first have to decide what lettuce varieties you want to grow. I listed the most popular ones for growing purposes below:
How long does it take to grow Lettuce from Seed to Harvest?
Depending on the variety you choose to grow, it will take between 60 and 100 days to grow your lettuce from seed to harvest.
What is the best Climate to grow Lettuce?
Lettuce grows best in cool to moderate climatic zones. This is the reason why you should start with your lettuce growing project early on in the year.
What Temperatures do Lettuce like?
While you can start growing lettuce outdoors when temperatures no longer fall below the 40 degrees Fahrenheit mark, the optimal temperature range for growing lettuce is between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Yield can you expect when you grow Lettuce?
Since you will harvest the actual plant material of your lettuce, every lettuce plant will just produce one main lettuce crop.
How to grow lettuce in a small garden?
Due to its small seed size, it’s better to sprinkle lettuce seed on top of fine soil, then cover lightly with a thin layer of dirt. A small hand held seeder or seed tape can also be used for proper spacing of plants. Avoid planting too deeply, as lettuce requires sunlight to germinate.
When is the best time to grow lettuce?
As a cool-season crop, lettuce grows well with the cool, moist weather available in spring and fall. In cooler climates, the lettuce growing season can also be extended year-round using an indoor hydroponic system.
How to keep lettuce crisp?
For crisper lettuce, harvest in the morning. Wash leaves in cold water and dry with a paper towel. Place lettuce in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
How to grow Romaine lettuce?
Picking the young, tender outer leaves will encourage the inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest romaine and leaf lettuce as baby greens by cutting straight across the plant 1 or 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) above the soil level. Be sure to leave the basal growing point for further leaf development.
What temperature should lettuce be?
In fact, these plants grow best when temperatures are between 45 and 65 F. (7-18 C.). Lettuce tastes more flavorful and the leaves remain tender when it grows quickly.
How to prevent dislodging newly planted seeds?
To avoid dislodging newly planted seed, water by gently misting the area with a fine spray until the soil is moist. When direct-seeding into the garden, consider using a plastic row cover, cold frame or scrap window pane to protect the seed from being washed away by heavy rains.
Can Romaine lettuce be cut?
Plants can be pulled or heads can be cut. Romaine (cos) types of lettuce can be harvested by removing tender outer leaves or waiting until a head is formed. When removing the head, cut the plant above the base to encourage regrowth or remove the entire plant if regrowth is not desired. Printer Friendly Version.
What kind of soil do you need to grow lettuce?
Preparation and planting. Lettuce is a cool season plant that matures quickly. It will grow on a wide variety of soils but prefers a rich sandy loam or muck. Sometimes seedling emergence is a problem on mineral soils. Provide plenty of moisture early.
How to harvest head lettuce?
For loose-leaf varieties, cut the outer leaves one by one when they’re large enough to use and allow the inner leaves to develop. Another method for baby lettuce is to cut all of the leaves a few inches above the soil, making sure not to cut the growing point. This process can usually be repeated one to three times at roughly 10-day intervals before quality deteriorates. Once harvested, use immediately for the best quality. You can store head lettuce for up to three weeks, although butterhead lettuce only keeps for a few days.
What color is lettuce?
Leaves are smooth or frilly in colors ranging from light to dark green and red to brown. Common lettuce favorites include romaine, butterhead and colorful leaf lettuce mixes. For summer plantings, it is important to select varieties with heat tolerance.
What is the best lettuce for a garden?
Lettuce can be divided into two major categories: leaf lettuce and head lettuce. Leaf lettuce has the greatest number of varieties available and is the most popular type for home gardens. Leaves are smooth or frilly in colors ranging from light to dark green and red to brown. Common lettuce favorites include romaine, butterhead and colorful leaf lettuce mixes. For summer plantings, it is important to select varieties with heat tolerance.
How long does butterhead lettuce last?
Once harvested, use immediately for the best quality. You can store head lettuce for up to three weeks, although butterhead lettuce only keeps for a few days.
How to keep weeds from spreading?
Keep weeds managed when plants are establishing. Tight plant spacing will allow plants to quickly block sunlight from reaching the soil and help with weed suppression.
How long does it take to plant lettuce?
Approximately one month before the temperatures begin to rise, stop planting lettuce because most lettuce varieties take 30-60 days until they’re ready to be harvested. By planting too late, the lettuce may bolt.
How long does it take for lettuce to grow?
It grows well in containers, in the ground, in window boxes, or even flower baskets. Plus, this variety of lettuce takes less than two months to be ready to harvest. If you want a salad in a hurry, reach for the leaf lettuce. Leaf lettuce comes in red, green, and oak varieties.
What is the best lettuce to use in salads?
Arugula. Arugula is one of my favorite types of lettuce. Though it looks like basic leaf lettuce, it’s anything but basic. In fact, it has a dark green color and is packed with nutrients, and it boasts a unique pepper flavor sure to spice up any salad it’s included in.
How to keep lettuce from weeding?
Mulch around your lettuce to help keep the weeds down , keep the soil moist, and keep the temperature of the soil nice and cool.
What kind of soil do lettuce plants need?
Lettuce needs soil that is loose, cool, and well-draining. You can amend your soil with compost to add the nutrients your plants need while also helping the soil drain better.
What zone does lettuce grow in?
We’ve established lettuce prefers to be grown in a cooler climate. It can grow in USDA zones 4-9.
Why don't you want to let lettuce grow?
You don’t want to let your lettuce reach full maturity before harvesting because the leaves get bitter. When the lettuce reaches your desired size, pluck the outer leaves to let the rest of the plant continue to grow or cut the entire plant off at the base.
How to grow lettuce in a hot climate?
Prepare seed trays. You can start your lettuce seeds in store-bought seed trays or make your own out of an old egg carton, box or newspaper. Fill the seed trays to within 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of the top with a soilless growing medium.
When is the best time to grow lettuce?
Generally, the two best seasons to grow lettuce tend to be Spring and Autumn.
How to grow a sage plant in soilless medium?
Fill the seed trays to within 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of the top with a soilless growing medium. Moisten the medium in preparation for sowing the seeds. Seeds already contain the nutrients they need to germinate, so you can plant them in a soilless growing medium.
How to make lettuce go bad?
Cut mature leaves. When the leaves look mature enough to eat, resembling lettuce leaves you'd buy in the grocery store, cut them with a harvest knife or scissors. After a few weeks, when the plant is mature, you'll want to cut the whole plant from the ground. If you leave it in, the lettuce will eventually go bad.
How to keep lettuce from bolting?
It begins producing seeds and acquires a bitter taste. You can keep this from happening by pinching off the center of the plant. If a lettuce plant does end up bolting, go ahead and pull it up.
Why buy pelleted lettuce seed?
Buy pelleted lettuce seed as it is easier to handle and plant.
Why is my lettuce bitter?
Hot weather triggers "bolting" in lettuce, halting leaf growth and introducing a bitter flavor. In hot climates, such as the southern U.S., you'll need to plant the lettuce as soon as possible, or look for a heat-resistant variety.
How to grow lettuce in containers?
To plant leaf lettuce, you’ll need grow trays and a nutritious seed starting mix. Be sure your grow trays are well-draining. Place four seeds in each cell of the grow tray.
How long does it take for lettuce to sprout?
It should take a week to 10 days for the seeds to begin sprouting. After the plants are an inch or two tall, thin them to where there’s an inch of space between each plant. You’ll continue to care for them as they grow from this point. There’s also another unique way to grow lettuce indoors.
How to keep lettuce from getting sick?
By providing the lettuce with what it needs such as ample light, gentle watering sessions, and proper spacing, you should be able to stay ahead of most pests and diseases which could harm your crop.
How much light does lettuce need?
This can come from a south facing window or grow light. You may end up doing both, depending upon the time of year. The crop will need 12 hours of light. Certain times of the year, the sun may be able to provide all 12 hours.
What conditions does lettuce need to be planted in?
You don’t want an air conditioner or heater blowing on your plants. Finally, when planting the lettuce, it must be grown in well-draining soil that’s nutrient-dense. Lettuce has shallow roots.
Why is my lettuce lanky?
Finally, if your lettuce appears to be lanky or forming discolored spots on the leaves, it means it needs more light. Move the light closer to the plants, if using grow lights, or move the plants to a location where they’ll receive more sunlight.
How to cover grow tray?
Use it to cover your grow tray. If your grow trays didn’t come with lids, apply plastic wrap to the top of the tray. This will help create a greenhouse effect and hold moisture in the soil. Continue to supply warmth, lighting, and light moisture as the seeds germinate.
How to grow lettuce indoors?
Growing lettuce indoors requires diligence, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on your plants. The seedlings should appear robust and green rather than yellow. If you notice a yellow discoloration, your plants are probably light starved. Move them to a sunny location with at least 12 hours of bright light to take care of this problem. South-facing windows are perfect, especially bay windows.
How long does it take for lettuce to sprout?
As long as everything goes according to plan, your lettuce should begin to sprout in 3 to 4 weeks.
How to keep lettuce plants alive in a pot?
As such, if you’ve used the pot to house another plant in the past, make sure you clean the container very well using soap, warm water, and bleach before using it again. Old plants leave behind remnants of disease or other things that can threaten your lettuce seeds’ health and safety.
What does it mean when lettuce is yellow?
The seedlings should appear robust and green rather than yellow. If you notice a yellow discoloration , your plants are probably light starved.
How much space does lettuce need?
A lettuce plant will require at least 4 to 6 inches of space, and 8 inches’ worth of depth. Select a pot with drainage holes, placing a saucer underneath to collect any excess water. Additionally, make sure its size is large enough for your lettuce plants. Consider how many plants will fit in a pot for the best results.
How long does lettuce last in the refrigerator?
Keep your harvested green in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the lettuce variety. Certain cultivars will last longer than others, and you can check how long your type of lettuce is expected to continue.
How to tell when lettuce needs more water?
Lettuce will let you know when it needs more water as well. Look to the leaves, and when they begin to wilt visibly, they’re thirsty. Hot conditions like in the summer months will require more frequent watering for the best results.
How long should I wait to plant lettuce seeds?
You will want to start your seeds inside approximately 6 weeks before you plan on moving your lettuce into your garden or moving your planter outside. You will first want to start by buying your seed. I recommend buying from Amazon because it is quick and inexpensive.
What temperature should lettuce be?
With that being said, you can even grow lettuce seeds in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kind of lettuce grows straight up?
As you can tell from the above picture, Romaine lettuce tends to grow straight up from the ground and is one of the most popular types of lettuce used in restaurants.
Why is loose leaf lettuce called loose leaf lettuce?
The reason this type of lettuce is called looseleaf is because it doesn’t form a head and has numerou varieties.
How long does it take for Romaine lettuce to grow?
Romaine lettuce will take about 60-70 days to mature and you will know when to harvest Romaine lettuce when the center leaves grow together to form a lengthy head. While this type of lettuce can seed like others, it is also the most heat tolerant and you can plant it both in the spring and fall.
What are the downsides of lettuce seeds?
The downside of this seed is that it is the costliest (due to its rarity). In addition, expect the least amount of yield from this type of seed due to susception of disease and other elements.
What type of seeds should I use for lettuce?
There are four types of seeds that can be used to grow lettuce; heirloom, organic, hybrid, and GMO. I recommend using Heirloom or Hybrid seeds. Gardeners do not have access to GMO seeds and organic seeds is a marketing term and not truly a type of seed.
How to grow lettuce from a leaf?
1. Cut off the end of the lettuce stalk. Make sure you don’t cut the stump to an excessively small size. About 1-2 inches of leaf should be left. 2. Place the stem in a small container of water. Ensure that the water level will cover the roots. Use approximately 1/2 inch of water.
How long does it take for lettuce to grow?
You may find that some of the leaves leftover from the last stalk will start to turn brown and spotted. 6. Plant your lettuce in potting soil. After about 1 week or when the leaves have reached about 3 inches above the cut stem, it should be ready for planting.
How to keep lettuce moist?
Place your planted lettuce in the sun again. Water daily to keep the soil moist.
Why is my lettuce bitter?
Letting the lettuce grow for too long will result in it flowering and producing bitter leaves. Harvest the leaves before this occurs.
Why replace water in lettuce container?
Replace the water in the container each day. This is to prevent the water from becoming dirty and mouldy. Unclean water can cause the lettuce to rot.
What vegetables can you re-grow from scraps?
There are many other vegetables that you can re-grow from scraps. Carrots, celery, peppers, garlic, ginger, and potatoes are common foods that can also regenerate. Find out what type of growing conditions these plants need, and start your very own garden! Thanks!
How to harvest leaves?
Harvest the leaves. Begin collecting leaves once they are big enough to make a small salad. Pluck or cut off the leaves and compost the stem. The average harvesting height is 8 inches. ...
Lettuce
- Family: Asteraceae
- Season: Cool
- Ease of growing: Easy-moderate
- Fertility needs: Low
Seed Facts
- Germination temperature: 35°F to 80°F
- Germination time: 2 to 15 days
- Viability: 2 to 5 years
- Direct sow: 2 to 4 weeks before last frost
Transplant Facts
- Weeks to grow transplants: 3 to 5
- Start: March to June
- Plant out: April to July
Planning Facts
- Typical spacing: 8” to 12” in 18” to 24” rows
- Plants per square foot: 1 to 2
- Succession sow: every 2 to 3 weeks
- Days to harvest: 25 (baby) to 60 (mature) from seed; 30 to 40 from transplants
Variety Selection
- Lettuce can be divided into two major categories: leaf lettuce and head lettuce. Leaf lettuce has the greatest number of varieties available and is the most popular type for home gardens. Leaves are smooth or frilly in colors ranging from light to dark green and red to brown. Common lettuce favorites include romaine, butterhead and colorful leaf lettuce mixes. For summer plantings, it i…
Preparation and Planting
- Lettuce is a cool season plant that matures quickly. It will grow on a wide variety of soils but prefers a rich sandy loam or muck. Sometimes seedling emergence is a problem on mineral soils. Provide plenty of moisture early. Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer or compost.
Care
- Keep weeds managed when plants are establishing. Tight plant spacing will allow plants to quickly block sunlight from reaching the soil and help with weed suppression.
Major Pests
- Insects:Cutworms, flea beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, slugs Diseases:Bottom rot disease and aster yellows spread by the leafhopper insect
Harvesting and Storage
- Harvest head lettuce once heads reach an acceptable size and firmness. Cut off at the stem. For loose-leaf varieties, cut the outer leaves one by one when they’re large enough to use and allow the inner leaves to develop. Another method for baby lettuce is to cut all of the leaves a few inches above the soil, making sure not to cut the growing point. This process can usually be rep…