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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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)
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Oct 22, Irene Bollerman (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
why is it advised to "Avoid growing close to: Parsley, Celery"?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some plants react with others or problems in the soil.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Feb 22, Raymond Rich (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Will it be to late to sow Lettuce seed in Johannesburg region in February. Have a well protected area from early cold and can provide sufficient water when rainfall reduces from March.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Feb 22, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try it.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Jan 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, when you say lettuce needs sunlight, does that have to be direct sunlight or can it be under a patio shelter that has a clear plastic roof? My veggie patch is in full sun, a very hot spot and they always bolt quickly, so I would like to try them out of direct sun, but in a bright area and easy access for keeping on top of the watering. Do you think this would still work? Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 25, John Doe (Australia - arid climate)
Yes, lettuce can grow well in indirect sunlight under a patio shelter. Ensure the area is bright and evenly watered.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 22, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Get some short garden stakes and peg some thick shade cloth to them. On really hot days, this saved ALL of my lettuce and only cost a few dollars.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 260 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Russ - it's all about feeing the soil and creating humus, as small boxes provide limited access to nutrients (even using good quality potting mix) because they get eaten up so quickly by the hungry plants. a worm farm or compost are perfect so you can feed the soil regularly each week as natural fertiliser. also - are the boxes draining from the bottom? when you water, the nutrients run straight out the bottom and the plants cant access them. You can build really simple self watering containers in old broccoli boxes... punch a few holes along a horizontal line, about 1/4 from the bottom of the box. then fill to this line with pebbles or gravel - this creates a water table where water will sit and if too much water is added it spills out through the holes. put the soil on top with lots of compost and worm castings, plant your vegies, and then mulch on top. this system allows the roots to reach water at the bottom, but stops the soil from being water-logged. it also allows you to mulch and build humus within the soil without draining it all away. I even water at the edges of the box so that the water goes straight to the water area without disturbing the humus to stop any nutrients draining away. i hope this makes sense! I read Jackie French's Soil Food Web book which was also really helpful. good luck!

- Catherine

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.