Seed Depth: ¼ inch

Seed Spacing: 1 inch

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 7–10 days

Days to Maturity: 45–55 days

Growth Habit: Loose-leaf, open rosette

Sunlight: Prefers full sun in cooler weather and partial shade as temperatures rise.

Soil Type: Loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

When to Plant: Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in late summer for a fall crop.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden in rows or blocks. Thin seedlings to allow airflow and reduce crowding.

Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost. Harden off and transplant after danger of frost has passed.

Succession Planting: Plant every 2–3 weeks for a steady harvest of fresh leaves throughout the season.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Shallow roots require regular, gentle watering.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks to encourage leafy growth.

Pruning: Regularly harvest outer leaves to promote new growth and extend the season.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch for aphids and slugs; use row covers or natural deterrents. Ensure good spacing and airflow to prevent mildew and rot.

When to Harvest: Begin harvesting when leaves are about 4–6 inches long and tender, usually 30–40 days after sowing.

How to Harvest: Snip outer leaves with scissors, or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil to encourage regrowth.

Storing Fresh Lettuce: Rinse gently, dry thoroughly, and store in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator. Best used within a week for optimal freshness.

Allow Plants to Bolt: Let several healthy lettuce plants remain in the ground and go to flower naturally. This usually happens in warmer weather.

Pollination: Lettuce is primarily self-pollinating, so isolation distance isn't a major concern, but avoid saving seeds from plants that cross-bolted early if flavor and quality are important.

Seed Maturation: After flowering, seed heads will form and dry on the plant. Wait until the flower heads turn fluffy and the seeds are fully dry before collecting.

Harvesting Seeds: Gently shake or brush the dry seed heads into a container. You may need to separate the seeds from chaff.

Storage: Make sure seeds are completely dry before storing. Keep in a cool, dark, and dry location in an airtight container. Properly stored lettuce seeds remain viable for 3 to 6 years.