Lettuce
Lactuca sativa. Lettuce belongs to the Asteraceae family, sharing botanical lineage with chicory, dandelion, and sunflower. Lettuce comes in a multitude of varieties, ranging from iceberg to romaine and butterhead. Recognized for its crisp, leafy texture, lettuce offers a refreshing and mildly sweet taste. Its delicate leaves grow in loose heads or rosettes, often forming a compact cluster of tender foliage. Lettuce serves as a versatile ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, providing a crisp and hydrating element to culinary creations.
Starting Seeds
Lettuce seeds germinate in a wide range of soil temperatures from 35°F to 75°F (2° C to 24°C). However, the optimal temperature is typically around 75°F (24°C).
Direct sow 2-4 weeks prior to your last frost date or as soon as the soil can be worked. Seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your last frost date.
When to Plant Out
Lettuce should be transplanted outdoors after the last expected frost date, and the soil temperatures consistently reach at least 50°F (10°C) or warmer. Succession sow every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.
Light
Lettuce grow best in full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day. However, lettuce can also tolerate part-shade (4-6 hours a day) especially in hotter climates, although growth may be slower.
Space
Space plants 6-12″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size. For high intensity planting, direct sow seeds 1″ apart.
Temperature
Lettuce is a cool weather crop, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) may cause lettuce to bolt. Lettuce is hardy to about 28°F (-2°C), although some varieties may tolerate even colder temperatures.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.
Pruning
Lettuce generally does not require pruning, but if it starts to bolt, you can cut the central stalk to ward off the plant flowering for a little longer.
Harvesting
Use a pair of scissors or garden shears to cut leaves off the plant about 2″ about the base of the plant for come and cut again lettuce. Or you can remove a full head once the plant matures.
Propagation
Lettuce is propagated from seeds.
Other Considerations
Lettuce is suitable for container growing and can be grown indoors during winter for continuous harvests.