Seed Depth: ¼ inch

Seed Spacing: 6–8 inches

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 7–10 days

Days to Maturity: 40–55 days

Growth Habit: Loose-leaf rosette with lobed leaves

Sunlight: Full sun produces the best growth, but plants will tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer weather.

Soil Type: Prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Keep soil consistently moist for tender leaves.

When to Plant: Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Lettuce prefers cool weather.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, 6–8 inches apart, in rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings if needed for proper spacing.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves and soil is workable.

Succession Planting: For continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks until hot weather sets in, then again for fall harvest.

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Consistent watering is key for tender, non-bitter leaves.

Weeding: Weed regularly around plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilizing: Light feeder — amend soil with compost before planting. If growth slows, apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer.

Mulching: Apply a thin mulch to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pest Management: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use row covers, diatomaceous earth, or organic sprays if needed.

When to Harvest: Begin cutting outer leaves when they reach 3–4 inches long. Harvest continuously for cut-and-come-again use, or wait until plants form a full rosette for a larger single harvest.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut leaves, leaving the crown intact so the plant can regrow. For whole heads, cut just above the soil line.

Storing Fresh: Rinse leaves gently, pat dry, and refrigerate in a loosely sealed bag or container. Best eaten fresh within 5–7 days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as lettuce loses its texture when frozen.

Allow to Flower: Leave a few healthy plants in the garden to mature and produce tall flower stalks.

Seed Maturity: Wait until seed heads turn brown and dry on the plant.

Harvesting Seeds: Cut seed stalks and place them in a paper bag to finish drying. Shake or rub gently to release seeds.

Cleaning: Separate seeds from chaff by gently blowing or sifting.

Storage: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place; viable for up to 5 years.