SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lactuca sativa
LIGHT: Full Sun in spring/fall, partial shade in summer
SOIL TYPE: Rich, well-drained, loose loam.
pH RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0
MOISTURE/WATERING: Moist
MATURITY IN DAYS: 45 - 55
KNOWN PESTS: slugs, aphids, plant bugs and leaf hoppers
OVERVIEW:
Growing head lettuce requires rich soil, lots of sunlight and lots of water. Head lettuce do best in cooler weather. The plants need temperatures around 55°F to 60°F during the growing season, this means starting plants early indoors.
Start seedlings indoors in late winter, six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. Before transplanting, harden the head lettuce plants off to get them ready for outdoor living. Place lettuce in a sheltered place outside for a few hours a day, increasing the time until they're out there all day. Gardeners in mild climates can sow seeds directly in the garden.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF HEAD LETTUCE:
Direct seed head lettuce in early spring, as seed will germinate between 40-80°F. Sowing thinly ¼” and 1” apart.
LETTUCE SPACING:
Leaf lettuce types - 6” apart with 12” rows; Iceberg lettuce - 12” apart with 18” row spacing; Romaine lettuce - 8-10” apart with 12-16” rows Butterhead/Batavia lettuce - 10-12” apart with 12” row spacing. Start lettuce transplants indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date for transplants. Make succession plantings every 1-2 weeks to ensure a constant harvest.
COMPANION PLANTING FOR HEAD LETTUCE:
Head Lettuce does well with most vegetables, carrot, garlic, onion and radish make the best companions.
CARE & GROWING HEAD LETTUCE:
Choose an area with full sun to partial shade and a soil pH of 6.2-6.8. Lettuce is a heavy feeder and prefers a rich, well cultivated soil with good drainage. Some success can be expected even in poor soils using the loose-leaf lettuce types. Add plenty of compost or well rotted manure prior to planting lettuce. lettuce benefits from regular feedings with a nitrogen rich fertilizer. Mulching is useful to keep soil cool and reduce weeds.
HARVESTING:
Harvest lettuce early in the morning after dew is evaporated. Looseleaf types can be picked as soon as leaves are large enough to eat. Harvest head lettuce types when they are firm and well wrapped.
