Tips For Planting and Growing Lettuce

Trusted Lettuce Growing Guide:

• Lettuce is grown best during the spring and fall in most regions. Ideal soil temperatures are between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or prolonged heat will make lettuce “bolt” – move from flower then seed as oppose to growing new leaves. The existing leaves will also become coarse, bitter and tough if exposed to intense heat.
• The seeds should be planted in an area that gets plenty of sun and in soil with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0.

• Spring lettuce seeds should be planted in the ground 3 weeks before your last spring frost date. Fall lettuce seeds should be planted 4 to 8 weeks before the first frost date.
• Remove all stones and large chunks of dirt from the soil – lettuce seeds are small so stones and dirt may inhibit germination.
• Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch deep. Do not plant seeds too deep as the lettuce seeds need sufficient light to sprout.
• The spacing of the seeds depends on the type of lettuce:
  • Loose-leaf lettuce: 4 inches apart
  • Romaine/Butterhead lettuce: 8 inches apart
  • Crisphead lettuce: 16 inches apart

• The seedling rows should be 12-15 inches apart.
• Water frequently – at least 2-3 times per week. The lettuce should be watered whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry.
• Because lettuce has a shallow root system, we suggest surrounding the lettuce with mulch. Mulch will prevent the top inches of the soil from drying out quickly.
• Most lettuce will fully mature in less than 60 days, and most can be harvested at any stage. Pluck individual leaves off the plant or remove a full head of lettuce when the plant is fully matured.