Lettuce has been cultivated since ancient times, first as a leafy and seed-bearing plant in western Asia and the Mediterranean. Persian, Greek, and Roman growers knew the crop long before the firm heads familiar today were developed. Centuries of selection gave us looseleaf, butterhead, romaine, crisphead, and colorful specialty lettuces.
Lettuce grows quickly in cool weather and fits easily into garden beds, containers, and open spaces between slower crops. Sow directly or transplant young seedlings, keep the shallow roots evenly moist, and harvest before heat causes the plants to bolt and turn bitter. Small succession plantings provide a steadier supply than one large sowing.
Growing Guide
Timing
Sow lettuce in early spring as soon as the soil is workable and has warmed to about 40°F. Established plants tolerate light frost, but growth is best during mild days and cool nights.
Make small sowings every 2–3 weeks while cool weather continues. Resume sowing in late summer or early fall, allowing enough time for the variety to mature before severe cold.
Lettuce seed germinates best in cool soil. Temperatures above about 80°F can delay or prevent sprouting. For warm-weather sowings, plant in the evening, shade the seedbed, and keep it consistently moist.
Sowing & Starting
Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep, covering them lightly. Keep the surface moist until seedlings emerge; the small seeds and shallow roots dry quickly.
Thin looseleaf lettuce to about 4–6 inches apart. Space butterhead and romaine 6–10 inches apart and larger crisphead types 10–12 inches apart. Use the thinnings as baby greens.
Lettuce also transplants well. Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before planting out and move seedlings while they are still young. Harden them off gradually and avoid burying the crown.
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