RESOURCE: SPECIALTY LETTUCE GUIDE
Lettuce Seed Growing Information
Lactuca sativa
Transplant: Sow seeds in trays at ¼” depth. Soil temperature for germination is 55-65° F. At soil temperatures above 75° F, germination will be poor. Pelleted seed must be kept consistently moist to split or dissolve pellet for seed to germinate. Transplant 3-4 weeks after seeding. Start lettuce every 3 weeks for succession planting.
Spacing: Plant seed transplants 8-12” apart for full size heads and 6” for mini heads and Eazyleaf varieties, in rows that are 8-18” apart. Lettuce seeds can also be direct-seeded to the above spacing specifications.
Growth needs: Lettuce grows best in cool weather with regular irrigation. Choose bolt resistant varieties for warm weather plantings. Use 30% shade cloth over summer plantings where needed.
Harvest: For heads, cut right at the point that the stem meets the soil. For Eazyleaf varieties, cut above the growth point for loose leaf harvest. Lettuce plants will regrow for multiple harvests.
Storage: Dunk lettuce heads in cool water after harvest and store in plastic to prevent wilt. Stores for 5-7 days at above freezing and 98% relative humidity.
