Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Easy
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 50-70 (Spring/Summer), 55-75 (Fall/Winter)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Half Hardy
Lettuce will thrive in mild weather with consistent moisture. To extend the sowing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the bed.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Cool, Warm
Lettuce needs to grow quickly for best quality. This can only be done by giving the plants everything they need. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. The young plants are vulnerable to weeds, so keep well weeded. Their roots are shallow so be careful with the hoe. Does best when planted in early spring or late summer. Lettuce likes full sun except in hot summer climates where it prefers some shade, especially in the afternoon. Add plenty of compost to the soil to encourage rapid growth. Water evenly and moderately to prevent bitterness.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 45°F - 75°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 40°F
When: Lettuce germinates quite well in cool (40˚ F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚ F (after this it gets erratic).
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Part shade (Warm)
In hotter climates it doesn’t mind part shade (and may even benefit from it).
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool)In cool climates Lettuce needs full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Lettuce is largely composed of water and it responds to irrigation by giving a larger and better tasting harvest. If you think the plants might need water they probably do.
- Feeder
- Heavy
Lettuce has a weak root system and isn't a very efficient feeder, so the soil needs to be quite fertile. Its main requirement is for nitrogen, but it also needs moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
- Suitability
- Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
Lettuce is fairly easy to grow in containers, either individually or as a cut-and-come-again crop.
Romaine lettuce does well when grown singly in individual containers, or in groups (space them 12" apart) in larger containers. Put them in a cool place and keep them well watered.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Green with red freckles
- Fruit Size
- - "
- Plant Height
- 6.0 - 10.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 7.0 - 9.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Very tasty and adds a gorgeous look to traditional salads.
- Rotation Group
- Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens