Lettuce (Loose Leaf) Growing Guide

Lactuca sativa

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Most soil types but best if it's moisture retentive with some dug in compost.

Position

Semi-shade, a cool sunny spot or inter-planted between other crops.

Frost tolerant

Tolerates light frost.

Feeding

Not usually required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 15cm (5") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Early planting can be done under cover in containers. Continue sowing outside every few weeks for a continous supply.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Early sowings are easily attacked by slugs and snails, so may be best in containers. Thin out to give plenty of room for each plant to grow. In hot summer conditions lettuce can bolt (produce flower heads) and becomes tough and a little bitter.

Harvesting

Harvest leaves as required over a number of weeks.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Lettuce (Loose Leaf)

Aphids (General)

Cutworm

Leaf Miner

Slug

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Lettuce (Loose Leaf)

Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Lettuce Downy Mildew

Lettuce Leaf Drop

Lettuce Mosaic Virus