Lettuce (Crisphead) Growing Guide

Lactuca sativa

Lettuce (Crisphead)

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Most soil types, but best in moisture retentive soil with rich compost dug in.

Position

Sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Drench plants with a mix-with-water plant food once a month.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors in early spring. Set plant out at proper spacing while soil is still cool.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Harvest head lettuce before the plants begin to elongate, because they lose their delicate flavor as they prepare to produce flowers and seeds.

Harvesting

Pull up entire plants and use a sharp knife to lop off the roots. Always harvest in the morning, when the leaves are cool and full of moisture.

Troubleshooting

Use a cloth shade cover if needed to keep plants cool during periods of hot weather.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Lettuce (Crisphead)

Plant Diseases which Affect Lettuce (Crisphead)