Lettuce
Lactuca sativa • Asteraceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Native to the Mediterranean/Caucasus; globally adapted to temperate climates
📅 Days to Maturity
45-55 days; can be harvested as microgreens earlier or full-sized leaves through the harvest window.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA zones 2-11 as an annual; optimal production occurs between 45-75°F.
About This Seed
Small, elongated, tear-drop shaped seeds with a light tan or greyish-white color and fine longitudinal ribbing. The resulting plant is a leafy green with frilly, light-green leaves that form a loose rosette.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Cool season crop; best planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvest; light frost tolerant
Germination
Germinates in 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C). Seeds require light for germination and should be sown shallowly. High temperatures (>80°F) can cause thermodormancy.
Planting Instructions
Sow 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep; space plants 6-12 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); requires consistent moisture to keep leaves tender and prevent bolting.
Companion Plants
Grows well with carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid planting near broccoli or cabbage which can compete for the same nutrients.
Special Characteristics
Fast-growing, heat-tolerant for a lettuce variety, rich in Vitamin A and K, and relatively resistant to tipburn.