Lettuce

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Lettuce
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Lactuca
Species: Lactuca sativa
Plant Data
Min germination temp: 5°C (41°F)
Max germination temp: 27°C (81°F)
Germination time: 5 days
Time to transplanting: +17 days
Time to harvesting: +31 days
Mature height: 20cm (8in)
Mature spread: 20cm (8in)
Soil type: Loam
Ideal pH range: 5.8 - 6.8
Sow depth: 1cm (½in)
Sow spacing: 15cm (6in)
Sow row spacing: 15cm (6in)
Growing plant spacing: 15cm (6in)
Growing row spacing: 15cm (6in)
Figures may vary depending on variety
References: [1]
Hardiness Zones
Ideal Hardiness Zones
· · · · 4 5 6 7 8 9 · · ·

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a temperate annual or biennial plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is most often grown as a leaf vegetable.

Planner[edit | edit source]

For a Summer/Autumn Crop:[edit | edit source]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sowing Time (Under Glass)
Transplanting Time (Under Glass)
Sowing Time (Outdoors)
Cutting Time

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For an Early Winter Crop:[edit | edit source]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sowing Time
Cutting Time

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For a Midwinter Crop:[edit | edit source]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sowing Time (Under Glass)
Transplanting Time (Under Glass)
Cutting Time

Template:Clrl

For a Spring Crop:[edit | edit source]

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sowing Time (Outdoors)
Sowing Time (Under Glass)
Cutting Time

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Growing[edit | edit source]

Location[edit | edit source]

Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location.

Soil[edit | edit source]

The soil must have a good organic matter content and should not be acidic. Incorporate compost to the site in autumn or early winter. Shortly before sowing rake to produce a fine tilth and apply a general fertilizer.[2]

Sowing[edit | edit source]

Indoors

Sow 2 seeds in a small peat pot. Once germinated remove the weaker seedling of the two. Harden off outdoors before transplanting.

Outdoors

Sow seeds thinly in drills 1cm (½in) deep and leave 30cm (12in) between rows.

Aftercare[edit | edit source]

Thin seedlings once the first true leaves appear to avoid overcrowding. Water the day before. Continue to thin at intervals until the plants are 15-30cm (6-12in) apart depending on variety.

Put down slug pellets and protect seedlings from birds. Hoe regularly and keep moist unless growing under glass when the soil should be kept slightly more dry.[2] Ventilate glass-grown lettuce regularly.

Always water in the morning or midday, watering in the evening will increase the chance of disease.

Harvesting[edit | edit source]

Lettuce is ready for harvesting once a firm head has formed, but can be cut for use at any point. If left longer the plant will begin to grow taller; a sign that it is preparing to bolt, it should be cut and used immediately. Ideally uproot in the morning when there is dew on the leaves, then cut off the roots and add to the garden compost.

Troubles[edit | edit source]

Full troubles list: Lettuce troubles

References[edit | edit source]

Template:Reflist

v  d  e
Lettuce varieties
Butterhead Buttercrunch · Tom thumb
Crisphead
Looseleaf Lolla rossa
Romaine Little gem · Romaine ballon
  1. (2010). Lettuce. myfolia. Retrieved: 2010-07-30.
  2. a b Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 63. ISBN 9780903505468