How to Grow Lettuce from Seed

easyGardening45-65 days9 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid getting nitrate of soda on leaves as it will burn them

Tools Needed

Mist nozzle — For thorough watering during seeding

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Rake — To create a fine, crumbly seedbed

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Module trays — 1-inch cells for indoor starting

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Pots/Tubs — For container gardening

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Materials

Lettuce seeds — Various (Loose-leaf, Romaine, Crisphead, etc.)(As needed)

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Compost or Manure — Organic matter for soil fertility(Plenty)

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Potting soil — Multipurpose potting mix(As needed)

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Straw bale — For cooling soil for fall crops(1 bale)

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Steps

Prepare the soil by working in manure or compost and raking it smooth to create a fine, loose, well-draining seedbed.

Tip: Prepare beds the previous fall for an early spring start.

Select a site with 5 to 6 hours of sun, utilizing afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent bolting.

Tip: Ensure good air circulation to promote disease-free growth.

Sow seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep; do not plant too deep as seeds need light to germinate.

Tip: Direct-seed 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost or 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost.

Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart, or broadcast loose-leaf varieties in a patch.

Tip: Succession plant every 1-4 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Water thoroughly with a mist nozzle immediately after seeding to maintain consistent moisture.

Tip: Ideal soil temperatures for germination are between 45°F and 65°F.

Thin seedlings once they have two or three true leaves: 4" for loose-leaf, 6-10" for Romaine/Butterhead, and 12-16" for crisphead.

Tip: Thin 1- to 2-inch-tall seedlings when broadcasting.

Maintain consistent moisture, providing roughly 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

Tip: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, provided slugs are not a problem.

Monitor for pests such as aphids, slugs, and leafminers; consider planting chives or garlic as barrier plants.

Tip: Avoid moisture stress and high night temperatures to prevent bolting.

Harvest leaves as they reach maturity, which can be as early as 4 weeks for some loose-leaf varieties.

Tip: Use 'cut-and-come-again' harvesting for varieties like Green Grand Rapids.

Pro Tips

Harden off indoor transplants for 3 days by reducing water and temperature before moving outdoors.
Fall crops often taste sweeter due to cooler nighttime temperatures.
For a fall crop, cool the soil in August by moistening it and covering it with a bale of straw.

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Sources

Synthesized from 11 verified sources:

Cornell ExtensionView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →