Lettuce Seeds

How to Sow Lettuce

SOW lettuce seeds in average soil in full sun in early spring for first crop, in late summer for fall crop. (In late summer, sow lettuce seeds in a protected area where the temperature is below 75° F.) Sow thinly in rows 12" apart and cover with 1/4" of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.

How to Grow Lettuce

Lettuce seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. Thin to stand 8" apart when 1-2" high. Keep lettuce plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Lettuce is shallow-rooted, so avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.

Harvesting Lettuce

Sow lettuce seeds every two weeks to extend harvests. Harvest looseleaf lettuce anytime the leaves are large enough to use. Harvest butterhead lettuce when they have formed heads and the leaves are a good size. Cut the heads below the crown. On leaf types, you can just pick a few leaves at a time, if you like. Lettuce is the classic ingredient in salads. It adds crispness to sandwiches and can be used as a garnish, braised, or added to soups. Many of the looseleaf cutlivars are decorative in the garden.