Growing Lettuce

lactuca sativa : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
      T T              
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Lettuce in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden, or start in seed trays and plant out in 4-6 weeks.. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 81°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Onions, Strawberries, Beets, Brassicas, Radish, Marigold, Borage, Chervil, Florence fennel, leeks.
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsley, Celery

Your comments and tips

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05 Nov 23, (USA - Zone 3a climate)
Keep soil moist but not soggy wet. A light watering each day. Even twice a day.
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29 Oct 23, Getz (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I just planted lettuce, after few days some leaves come out but the day after disappeared! I notice lots of little lizards, do the lizards could eat my lettuce? Cheers Getz
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05 Nov 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check for birds also.
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22 Oct 23, Jordan (USA - Zone 9b climate)
ive tried growing lettuce (romaine mostly) in spring here in california central valley, it does not like it at all. bolts every time. trying again in winter right now, will update.
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11 Feb 24, Daniel (USA - Zone 9a climate)
red leaf lettuce does better in the cooler months than does green leaf lettuce. I usually plant my green leaf & red leaf in late March on my south-facing patio so the frost cannot get to it. the red leaf will usually bot first in May or early June but my green leaf will go until it gets really hot in July or August.
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24 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You grow different kinds of lettuce in the cooler months to the hotter months.
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18 Oct 23, lukas (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the best size for a letuce seedling to be planted out in the garden.
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22 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When they have 6-8 new leaves. Keep them protected from the sun for a couple of days. Plant in the late afternoon.
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11 May 23, Kim Shallcross (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can it get too hot in May for lettuce, mine seems to have turned bitter and is bolting
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14 Jun 23, Wendy (USA - Zone 7b climate)
You bet! Lettuce doesn't like the temperature to be above 80 degrees. Mine is bolting and bitter now too ( June in 7b)
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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