Sow small amounts often rather than a whole packet at once.
Care
Sun in spring and autumn; light shade in hot summers delays bolting.
Medium-high — steady moisture; dry spells make it bitter and bolt.
Fertile, moisture-retentive soil.
None. Pick outer leaves of loose-leaf types as needed, or cut whole heads.
Dig in compost before sowing; rarely needs extra feed. In containers a light balanced feed every two to three weeks.
Sow little and often, every two to three weeks, for a steady supply. Lettuce seed may not germinate above about 25°C, so in summer sow in the cool of the evening or in shade.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchStart sowing under cover or direct under cloches. how ›
- MayProtect seedlings from slugs. how ›
- JulyWater regularly in hot weather and sow in light shade. how ›
- AugustSow hardy winter lettuce for autumn and winter picking under cover. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchStart sowing under cover or direct under cloches. how ›
- MayProtect seedlings from slugs. how ›
- JulyWater regularly in hot weather and sow in light shade. how ›
- AugustSow hardy winter lettuce for autumn and winter picking under cover. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryStart sowing under cover or direct under cloches. how ›
- AprilProtect seedlings from slugs. how ›
- JulyWater regularly in hot weather and sow in light shade. how ›
- AugustSow hardy winter lettuce for autumn and winter picking under cover. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryStart sowing under cover or direct under cloches. how ›
- AprilProtect seedlings from slugs. how ›
- JulyWater regularly in hot weather and sow in light shade. how ›
- AugustSow hardy winter lettuce for autumn and winter picking under cover. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Plants shoot up and turn bitter.
What to do. Heat and drought; sow bolt-resistant varieties and keep watered.
How to spot it. Holes and slime trails.
What to do. The main pest; protect young plants.
How to spot it. Plants wilt; white waxy aphids on the roots.
What to do. Rotate and grow resistant varieties.
Questions
Lettuce: is it hardy?
H2: Tender. It survives down to 1 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — ideal for pots, troughs and window boxes.
Lettuce: when do you prune it?
None.
When do you feed it?
Dig in compost before sowing; rarely needs extra feed. In containers a light balanced feed every two to three weeks.