Growing Guide: Lettuce

Plant: Lettuce

Genus: Lactuca

Grow Zones: USDA Zones 2a - 11b

Light Needs: Full Sun in Spring, Partial Shade in Summer

Flavor Notes: Crisp and mild, soft and buttery, red and peppery; there’s a lettuce to suit every taste.

Types of Lettuce: Arugula, Frisee, Spinach, Mesclun, Kale, Radicchio, Endive, Watercress, Escarole, Mache, Iceberg, Romaine, Boston, Bibb, Looseleaf, Batavia, Little Gem, Oak Leaf, Buttercrunch, Little Caes, etc…

General Growing Information:

Lettuce is a cool crop and so thrives when temperatures are between 60℉ and 70℉, so plan at a time in the season when the temperature is consistent for this range. Begin planting lettuce 4 weeks before the last spring frost date and then replant as instructed on your seed packet for the variety you are growing.
Hot weather often causes lettuce to bolt and/or become bitter. To prevent summer bolt, stop planting one month before warm summer temperatures start. Begin planting fall lettuce in late summer so it reaches maturity when the fall air is cool.
Lettuce does best when planted directly from seed, so if planning to transplant, start your seeds in a pot that is able to be transported directly into the ground. Items like egg cartons, newspaper pots, compostable pots, etc are great for this so they break down and allow the roots to break through once they outgrow the starter pot.
Lettuce has a shallow root system and requires frequent watering. Dry conditions cause lettuce to become bitter and/or bolt. So keep the soil moist by watering lightly and often avoiding root rot.
To avoid problems with disease, try not to get water on the leaves when watering and water in the morning if possible.
Lettuce grows best in loose, cool soil with good drainage and in soil with a pH of at least 6.
When harvesting, if you would like to continue to grow more, you can cut it down to about ½” from the soil and it should continue to grow a new head.

Specific to Colorado Growing:

In general, when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks, you are safe to plant your lettuce outside in Colorado.
If an unexpected frost comes in after you have planted make sure to cover your plants with frost blankets or containers if unable to bring them inside.

Fun Facts about Lettuce:

Lettuce was a symbol of fertility in Ancient Egypt.
Lettuce is botanically closely related with Chrysanthemum, Zinnia, Sunflower and Dahlia (Asteraceae family).
The presence of some fruits in the fridge may harm the lettuce. Some fruits, such as apples and bananas, produce ethylene. This gas may promote lettuce ripening.

Sources:

Photos

Growing Guide: Lettuce

Comments