Lactuca sativa

Sowing and cultivation tips

Lactuca sativa seeds prefer cool germination conditions when the soil is workable. Start under protection if frosts persist, then direct sow once the risk of hard frost has passed. Grow in full sun to light shade, on moisture-retentive, well-drained, fertile ground. Keep moisture even, mulching where helpful, and provide shade or cooler conditions in hot spells to limit stress and early bolting. Thin seedlings and space plants to promote airflow and good head or leaf development, following packet guidance. The compact to medium habit suits beds or containers. Succession sowings provide a steady supply.

• Sow in cool conditions; start under protection if frosts persist; direct sow after risk of hard frost; use succession sowings.
• Provide full sun to light shade; give shade or cooler conditions in hot spells.
• Soil: moisture-retentive, well-drained, fertile; keep evenly moist without waterlogging.
• Thin and space to allow airflow and head/leaf development; follow packet guidance.
• Container-suitable; wide, shallow pots support roots and even moisture.
• Edible leafy crop; harvest as baby leaves or mature heads.

How do I grow Lactuca sativa from seed?

Sow lettuce seed very shallowly (barely covered or 3–5 mm deep) in cool conditions, as light aids germination and temperatures around 10–20°C are ideal. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and avoid crusting by using fine-textured compost. Direct sow where plants will grow once the risk of hard frost has passed, or start under protection if frosts persist and transplant carefully after hardening off. Thin or transplant to give each plant room and airflow. Provide full sun to light shade and maintain steady moisture to support steady growth.

What is the best soil for lettuce seeds?

Lactuca sativa prefers a moisture-retentive, well-drained, fertile soil with a crumbly structure. Incorporate well-rotted organic matter before sowing to boost water-holding capacity without causing waterlogging, and aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH (roughly 6.0–7.0). Avoid fresh, high-nitrogen manures that may cause soft, weak growth. A light top-dress of compost mid-season helps maintain nutrients. For containers, use a quality vegetable potting mix that balances drainage and moisture retention, and mulch lightly to keep the shallow root zone cool and evenly moist.

When should I sow lettuce after the last frost?

Sow as soon as the soil is workable and cool; lettuce germinates best in cool conditions and can be started under protection if frosts persist. Direct sow outdoors after the risk of hard frost, spacing thinly and covering lightly. In warm spells, choose a cooler microclimate or provide temporary shade to aid germination, as high temperatures can reduce sprouting. In mild climates, an autumn sowing may also be possible. Continue with small, regular sowings to bridge seasonal shifts and maintain quality through changing temperatures.

How do I plan succession sowing for a continuous lettuce harvest?

Sow modest amounts every 1–2 weeks rather than a single large batch, adjusting intervals to temperature (shorter in cool weather, longer in heat). Mix types—loose-leaf for quick cuts and head-forming for later harvests—to stagger maturity. Harvest baby leaves from dense rows at 5–10 cm tall for rapid turnaround, then allow regrowth or resow. In hot periods, switch to shadier beds or use shade cloth, water consistently, and choose fast-maturing or heat-tolerant cultivars to keep quality high across the season.

How can I prevent lettuce from bolting?

Keep plants growing steadily in cool conditions with consistent moisture and light shade during heat. Mulch to insulate roots, water in the morning to reduce stress, and avoid letting the soil swing between dry and wet. Give adequate spacing for airflow, as crowding and heat encourage early flowering. Harvest promptly at marketable size—overmature heads bolt faster. Starting seed in cooler spots and transplanting sturdy, unhardened seedlings into hot beds can trigger bolting; harden off and plant into moderated conditions where possible.

Growing lettuce in containers: what works best?

Choose wide containers at least 15–20 cm deep with drainage holes, filled with a fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive mix. Position in full sun to light shade; in hot spells, morning sun with afternoon shade helps maintain quality. Space loose-leaf types about 10–15 cm apart and compact head types 20–25 cm apart (follow packet guidance), aiming for good airflow. Water frequently—containers dry faster than beds—and feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser if growth slows. Most lettuce stays compact to medium in height, suiting balcony and patio setups.

This guidance is compiled from established horticultural references and practitioner experience and is intended as general advice across varied climates. Outcomes vary with microclimate, soil type, drainage, exposure, and cultivation method. Timing uses climate cues (after last frost, in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible, or when soil is workable) and may differ locally. For precise sowing depth, spacing, and timing for each variety, product pages provide specific instructions that supersede this general guidance.

Growing Lettuce Successfully

From sowing to harvest, Lactuca sativa seeds prefer cool conditions and steady moisture. Sow under cover when soil is still cold, or direct after last frost; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Seeds are light-sensitive; press 3–5 mm deep into a fine, moist seedbed and avoid heavy burial. Ideal germination is around 10–20°C. Thin seedlings for final spacing of 20–30 cm for heads; for baby leaf, sow more densely and harvest young. Provide full sun in cool weather and light shade during hot spells to limit bolting. A fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with ample organic matter supports steady growth. Water evenly to prevent stress; irregular drying can encourage bitterness and early bolting. Stagger sowings every 2–3 weeks for a consistent supply. Harvest individual leaves or allow heads to mature, cutting cleanly at the base. Additional context on Lactuca sativa seeds and related varieties is available from SeedsChoice.