Growing Lettuce

lactuca sativa : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S S       S S S S S
T T T T         T T T T
P P P P         P P P P

(Best months for growing Lettuce in Australia - cool/mountain 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

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.
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
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
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
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.
19 Feb 16, terry lobban (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
thanks matt what is the something that's added to the lettuce starch maybe
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
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.
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.
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
Showing 61 - 70 of 193 comments

Andrew - I believe Wombok is Chinese 'cabbage' and that: 1. there are different types of Wombok 2. Cabbage is a brassica Is lettuce a brassica? I thought not but I could be wrong. - Jane

- Jane

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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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