Seed Depth: ¼ inch

Seed Spacing: 1 inch

Row Spacing: 12–18 inches

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 55–65 days

Growth Habit: Upright, romaine-type head

Sunlight: Prefers full sun in cooler weather; provide partial shade in warm climates to reduce bolting.

Soil Type: Loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. pH between 6.0–7.0 is ideal.

When to Plant: Sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before your last expected frost. For fall harvests, sow again in late summer.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Thin to 6–10 inches once seedlings are established.

Transplanting: Start indoors 3–4 weeks before your planting date. Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves, spacing 6–10 inches apart.

Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest through spring and fall.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves and reduce the risk of disease.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer once or twice during the growing season for lush, leafy growth.

Pruning: Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production and prevent bolting.

Pest and Disease Control: Use row covers to deter aphids and flea beetles. Space plants for airflow to prevent mildew and rot.

When to Harvest: Harvest outer leaves when they reach 4–6 inches long, or cut the entire head when it feels firm and mature, around 55–65 days.

How to Harvest: Use clean scissors or garden shears to cut leaves just above the base. For full heads, cut at the base of the plant.

Storing Fresh Lettuce: Rinse gently, pat dry, and store in a sealed container or produce bag in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days.

Let Plants Fully Mature: Allow a few lettuce plants to bolt and produce tall flower stalks.

Collect Seeds When Dry: Wait until seed heads turn brown and fluffy, then carefully snip and collect them.

Clean and Sort: Separate seeds from the chaff by rubbing gently and using a fine mesh screen or sieve.

Dry Thoroughly: Ensure seeds are completely dry before storing to prevent mold or rot.

Label and Store: Place seeds in a paper envelope labeled with the variety name and year harvested.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep seeds in a sealed container away from heat, light, and moisture to maintain viability