Growing Lettuce

lactuca sativa : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Lettuce in Australia - tropical 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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13 Nov 14, Belinda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Two weeks ago we planted mixed lettuce seedlings. We notice two days ago we planted two together so we pulled them out, separated and replanted them. The very next day all the replanted lettuce had died off. Will it come back and did we do something wrong. Thanks.
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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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Showing 81 - 90 of 196 comments
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To increase the levels of Molybdenum (Mo, also called Molly) in your soils -- wood ash (from a fireplace, firepit, or barbeque) can be incorporated into the soil. Alternatively, Banana peels are an excellent source of Moly. Animal manure tends to (grass/grain/vegetable feeders) tend to have a decent amount of Moly in their manure. If all of these are out of reach, perhaps try incorporating wood chips/bark mulch in your garden. You can make bark chip paths, use the paths, then the following year when the chips are broken down mix them into the soil. OR -- just mix the wood chips (bark, mulch, whatever) directly into the soil. As the wood is breaking down it takes a lot of nitrogen. I would expect to find Moly in leaf mulch - but have not found any reliable sources that have stated this as a fact. If you choose to use chemical forms of Moly remember that this is a TRACE element - VERY little is needed and over application can result in a OTHER problems. Staying organic almost guarantees you will not over apply. If you live in an area where wood burning stoves and fireplaces where common for heating (pre- electric fireplaces and stoves) - and you know people old enough to have been around when wood ash was common in the garden (there was no place else to put it) - they can tell you how amazing the gardens where back then.

- Celeste Archer

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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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