Description: 800+BIBB BUTTERHEAD LEAF LETTUCESEEDS (1 gram) Growing and Harvesting Guide for Lettuce Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a cool-season leafy green that’s easy to grow, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started with growing and harvesting lettuce. Growing Lettuce 1. Choosing the Right Variety: Head Lettuce: Includes butterhead (e.g., Buttercrunch) and crisphead (e.g., Iceberg).Leaf Lettuce: Includes loose-leaf varieties (e.g., Red Romaine or Green Leaf).Romaine: Known for its tall, sturdy leaves (e.g., Cos).Consider your climate and preferences when selecting varieties. 2. Ideal Planting Time: Spring: 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.Fall: 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.In mild climates, lettuce can also be grown in winter. 3. Location and Soil Requirements: Sunlight: Lettuce prefers full sun (6-8 hours), but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot weather.Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Add organic matter or compost to enhance fertility and drainage. 4. Seed Starting: Direct Sow: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep directly into the garden bed, 12 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 2-4 true leaves and after hardening them off for about a week. 5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.Use mulch (e.g., straw, grass clippings) to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. 6. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting, and side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as fish emulsion) during the growing season. 7. Pest and Disease Management: Common pests: Aphids, slugs, and snails. Control with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or hand-picking.Diseases: Watch for downy mildew and lettuce drop. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to minimize the risk. 8. Thinning: Once seedlings have grown a couple of true leaves, thin them to avoid overcrowding. Space them 6-12 inches apart depending on the variety. Harvesting Lettuce 1. Timing: Leaf lettuce can be harvested at any stage, as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat (usually around 30 days after planting).Head lettuce typically takes 60-80 days to mature, depending on the variety. 2. How to Harvest: For leaf lettuce: Use scissors or a knife to cut individual leaves, snipping them off about an inch above the soil, which allows the plant to continue producing.For head lettuce: Hold the base and cut the head off at the soil line when it's firm and fully formed. 3. Best Time to Harvest: Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler, which can help maintain crispness and flavor. 4. Post-Harvest Care: Rinse harvested lettuce leaves in cold water to remove dirt. Spin-dry or pat dry with a towel.Store in a breathable bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week. 5. Succession Planting: To ensure continuous harvest, plant new lettuce seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Additional Tips: Keep an eye on growing temperatures. If it gets too hot, lettuce can bolt (flower), leading to bitter leaves.Interplant lettuce with slower-growing vegetables (like tomatoes) for efficient use of space.Experiment with different varieties and colors for visual interest and a variety of flavors. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to grow a healthy and delicious crop of lettuce. Enjoy your gardening! 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Price: 1.96 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-10-08T08:59:08.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: all
Common Name: Lettuce
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Color: Black, Green
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n/a
Brand: Unbranded
Season of Interest: Spring
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Watering: Medium
Genus: Lactuca
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States