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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11 Oct 15, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Belinda. From the reading I have done its best to sacrifice the weaker looking seedling with a pair of scissors than disturb the root system.
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14 Oct 14, Kellie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted some lettuces in a shady spot a couple of weeks ago, most have already gone soft and died, the others seem to be going the same way which is saddening! Any ideas?
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29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Sydney and find that you got to keep the water up to them. Now find that growing mixed lettuces in a tray in semi-shade seems better as their roots aren't deep and they don't wilt. I use the deepest "kitty litter" tray and punch some holes in them and line them with old leaves before proceeding with my soil mix. Use weak solution of seasol once a week on them and and fresh water on other days.
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04 Oct 14, Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I just harvest leaves from my mixed lettuces or do I have to uproot them and sow more seed...??
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09 Oct 14, Marzi (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is the coral type of lettuce and not iceberg (those with a firm heart) then you can pick the outer leaves and it will keep producing until time to bolt (seed)
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11 Sep 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My wonderful 80 odd yr old neighbour gave me this tip and works really well. When washing your lettice add salt to the water and snalls ect leave much quicker. Its surprising whats left in the water after doing this.
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29 May 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted some crops (based on your advice) and was wondering what is eating at my dwarf cos lettuce and rocket ? I see no evidence of grubs or snails. Can you please help ?
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04 Sep 14, Frances (Australia - temperate climate)
Might be mice/rats. My iceberg seems to be eaten by these. Or do you have rabbits in the area?
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23 May 15, Greenthumb (Australia - temperate climate)
When you say your lettuce didn't make it, did it bolt? or not grow at all?, you might need to check your soil PH as lettuce is quite easy to grow....... there is no chance of every starting too big, I wish my vegie garden was double the size. I would check your soil and make sure that you don't under or over water.
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06 Mar 14, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
All my latest cos lettuces growth seemed to be stunted. It was a very hot day the day after planting and they looked sick, but 3 weeks on and still very little growth even though they've had a fertilising.
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Showing 81 - 90 of 195 comments
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Most clear plastic is considered direct sunlight - unless there are special filters in the plastic. That is to say, if the only thing between your lettuce and the sun is regular clear plastic, you should be fine. As and FYI there are multiple categories: 1. Direct sunlight - some plants require direct sunlight on their leaves 2. BRIGHT shade; for example when I lived in a Condo, my balcony had no direct sunlight, but because the buildings beside my building had huge glass windows I had VERY bright shade and could grow most full sun potted plants. This also applies to living near the water, where the sun gets reflected-- MOST full sun plants are fine with REFLECTED light but not all. This could also be a a very sunny field, with shade cast from one building, chances are good that would be very bright shade 3. Sun/Shade with all its variations 4. Light shade and 5. Deep shade like the middle of a dense forest. I see no reason why you could not grow SOME of your veggies in the bright shade. I find that many plants labelled full sun, are not. For example: strawberries are generally labelled full sun. However, strawberries TEND to grow naturally in the shade of other plants: woodland or forest floor, in meadows shaded by other plants. I've noticed that any of my strawberries that get full sun tend to have burnt leaves, and the best yielding strawberry plants are in a cool predominately shady areas. I suspect that planting your plants that tend to bolt in a cooler shadier area would be very helpful. I've even grown cherry tomatoes in very bright shade with great success.

- Celeste Archer

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