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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30 Apr 16, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
If you grow the loose leaf types you will have better success against frost. I have frost proofed my 2 permanent beds of six different lettuce by growing them in wicking beds and aquaponics as the whole bed keeps itself protected by being a thermal mass during the night absorbing heat from direct sun in the day. Otherwise throw some heavy duty clear plastic over them last thing before the sun goes down and keep your mulch nice and thick. That will help maintain a warmer temperature during the night.
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10 May 16, janine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks for sharing these great tips for growing lettuce in frosty conditions ~ janine
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26 Apr 16, Lagana101 (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to know if you can grow lettuce but only look after it about 3 times a week. Would it still be okay and not turn bitter.
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30 Apr 16, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
If growing in a raised bed with a timed dripper system, no problem. If growing in a wicking bed even better! Looking at it 3 times a week might take some extra mulch if growing in a normal bed with manual watering but should be still doable.
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22 Apr 16, Louise Manwaring (Australia - temperate climate)
Are lettuce susceptible to frost. We live in an area where most days are mild but it can get to -3 in July August
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21 Mar 16, John Stevens (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted 6 cos lettuce that have grown very tall and thin the have not filled out with leaves can anyone tell me what i did wrong thanks
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28 Feb 16, Vanya (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Will lettuce grow in dappled shade ?
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yes. In fact, they prefer it.
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11 Jan 16, terry lobban (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I HAVE PLANTED SEVERAL TIMES ICEBERG LETTUCE BUT THEY NEVER GROW INTO A BALL THEY JUST FLATTEN OUT.. DO I HAVE TO PUT SOMETHING ROUND THEM WHEN THEY ARE JUST PLANTED FOR SUPPORT MAYBE.. HOPE SOME ONE CAN HELP THANKING YOU
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13 Feb 16, Matt (Australia - temperate climate)
A certain something is added to the fertilizer while iceberg lettuce are growing to achieve this round firm head.
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Showing 101 - 110 of 258 comments
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MOSTLY Shade greens (which is a couple of hours of sun per day): Asian greens (bok choi, pak choi, komatsuna, tatsoi), misuna, kale. mustard greens, arugula AND yes, lettuce... but when you say mostly shade.... and I start to think of what the conditions are like after watering.... wet shade.... and for my zone this means slugs and slugs love lettuce; and for that reason I would probably go with a green other than lettuce -- looking in particular for a firmer, stronger tasting (hotter) green. SOME SEEDS need light to germinate... so you need to start these plants elsewhere and transplant, or perhaps chose a green whose seeds do not need light to germinate.

- Faith Celeste Archer

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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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