Lettuce
Lactuca sativa • Asteraceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Native to the Mediterranean/Ancient Egypt; highly adapted to temperate climates globally
📅 Days to Maturity
40-50 days; 'cut and come again' harvesting allows for multiple harvests from the same plant.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Zones 2-11; grown as a hardy annual. Tolerates light frost but bolts (goes to seed) in temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
About This Seed
Small, elongated, lance-shaped seeds approximately 3-4mm in length. Color ranges from light tan to dark brown/black with a dry, ribbed texture. The resulting plant is a leafy green with frilled, light-green leaves and a loose-leaf growth habit reaching 10-12 inches.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Fall; cool-season crop; can be direct sown or started indoors 4 weeks before last frost
Germination
7-14 days at 60-70°F (15-21°C). High germination rate. Requires light to germinate; sow very shallowly. Surface sowing is often recommended.
Planting Instructions
Planting depth: 1/8 inch. Spacing: 6-10 inches apart. Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. pH: 6.0 to 7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers 6+ hours of sun but benefits from shade in hot climates. Requires consistent moisture; avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid: Planting near fennel or large brassicas that may over-compete for nutrients.
Special Characteristics
Heat tolerant for a lettuce variety, fast-growing, excellent for container gardening, and relatively pest resistant compared to head lettuce.