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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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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19 Feb 16, terry lobban (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
thanks matt what is the something that's added to the lettuce starch maybe
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09 Jan 16, debbie (Australia - temperate climate)
I planned lots of lettuce (cos and ornamental/frilly? Red and green) early December and rhry have all bolted or not grown much. It is hot here in Perth. I tried snipping off outer leaves early but they were very bitter. Am i wasting my time growing lettuce in summer in Perth? Thank you. Debbie
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15 Feb 16, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like they're having water and heat problems Debbie. Pretty tough to deal with in the Perth heat I imagine. You could always collect the seed and try another crop at a cooler time.
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12 Jan 16, Andy (Australia - arid climate)
Yup I think it would be hard to grow in summe, the arid Australia climate zone is probably more accurate. Meaning you could start planting in March but I think more realistically April.
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26 Oct 15, john roche (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Chris, I googled Glenda White and found your old post. Best lettuce ever. Is the seed available anywhere now? Best regards John Roche
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26 Jun 15, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Just planted lettuce and asking what I need to do so they don't get eaten by bugs and slugs.
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08 Oct 15, Peter Levett (Australia - temperate climate)
Gday Pete, I grow heaps of "close to the ground" short marigolds to keep lugs and snails out of the garden, & tall marigolds for higher plants like tomatoes & chillies to deter fruit fly, & a whole punnet of Thai Sweet Basil around each tomato plant . You can give me a call if you would like to on 02 63450027. I live 24 km from Cowra in the Central west NSW. Cheers Pete Levett
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Showing 101 - 110 of 251 comments
See comments for all plants

As it says here read the packet for when to plant. Generally the open (not heading) type are better for summer, butter head or butter crunch etc. Try and provide some shade during the day, in the sun in the morning in the shade in the afternoon or shade cloth frame. .

- Anon

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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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