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

18 Oct 23, lukas (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the best size for a letuce seedling to be planted out in the garden.
22 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When they have 6-8 new leaves. Keep them protected from the sun for a couple of days. Plant in the late afternoon.
11 May 23, Kim Shallcross (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can it get too hot in May for lettuce, mine seems to have turned bitter and is bolting
14 Jun 23, Wendy (USA - Zone 7b climate)
You bet! Lettuce doesn't like the temperature to be above 80 degrees. Mine is bolting and bitter now too ( June in 7b)
07 Oct 22, Irene Bollerman (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
why is it advised to "Avoid growing close to: Parsley, Celery"?
10 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some plants react with others or problems in the soil.
01 Feb 22, Raymond Rich (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Will it be to late to sow Lettuce seed in Johannesburg region in February. Have a well protected area from early cold and can provide sufficient water when rainfall reduces from March.
02 Feb 22, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try it.
25 Jan 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, when you say lettuce needs sunlight, does that have to be direct sunlight or can it be under a patio shelter that has a clear plastic roof? My veggie patch is in full sun, a very hot spot and they always bolt quickly, so I would like to try them out of direct sun, but in a bright area and easy access for keeping on top of the watering. Do you think this would still work? Thanks.
28 Feb 22, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Get some short garden stakes and peg some thick shade cloth to them. On really hot days, this saved ALL of my lettuce and only cost a few dollars.
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