Description: 800+TOM THUMBLEAF LETTUCESEEDS (1 gram) Growing and Harvesting Guide for Leaf and Head Lettuce Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular leafy green vegetable that is easy to grow and perfect for home gardens. It can be cultivated as either leaf lettuce, which grows in loose leaves, or head lettuce, which forms compact heads. Here’s a comprehensive guide for both types, covering everything from planting to harvesting. Growing Leaf Lettuce 1. Choosing Varieties Leaf lettuce comes in several varieties, including: Butterhead: Soft, tender leaves with a buttery texture (e.g., Buttercrunch).Romaine: Tall, crisp leaves that are great for Caesar salads (e.g., Pardina).Looseleaf: Grows in open form, allowing easy harvesting (e.g., Red Romaine). 2. Planting When to Plant: Early spring or fall. Leaf lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15-21°C).Soil: Preferably well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the garden about 1/4 inch deep, spaced 1 inch apart in rows. Thin plants to about 6-12 inches apart. 3. Care Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost before planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer during growth.Sunlight: Leaf lettuce grows best with full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, provide some afternoon shade. 4. Pest Control Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed. Row covers can help prevent pest issues. Harvesting Leaf Lettuce When to Harvest: Start harvesting young leaves when they’re around 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-45 days after sowing.How to Harvest: Use scissors to cut leaves from the outer portions of the plant, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Alternatively, you can pull the entire plant if you prefer.Best Time to Harvest: Early morning is the best time to harvest for maximum crispness. Growing Head Lettuce 1. Choosing Varieties Head lettuce varieties include: Iceberg: Crisp and crunchy, commonly used in salads.Green Butterhead: Tender with a sweet flavor.Red Leaf: A beautiful addition with a hint of sweetness. 2. Planting When to Plant: Similar to leaf lettuce, plant in early spring or late summer for a fall crop.Soil: Requires rich, well-draining soil, pH 6.0-6.8.Seeds: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, with rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to stand 10-12 inches apart. 3. Care Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent bitterness and bolting (going to seed).Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and reapply as necessary.Sunlight: Requires full sun with some shade during extremely hot outings. 4. Pest Control Monitor for pests similar to leaf lettuce, and consider using natural predators or organic methods for control. Harvesting Head Lettuce When to Harvest: Harvest when heads feel firm and tightly packed, usually between 60-80 days after planting.How to Harvest: Cut the head off at the base with a knife. Avoid damaging the outer leaves as this can affect the plants' ability to continue growing.Best Time to Harvest: Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler for better texture and taste. Post-Harvest Care Clean Your Lettuce: Rinse leaves in cold water to remove dirt and insects. Pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.Storage: Store lettuce in the crisper drawer of the fridge in a perforated bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness for a week or more.As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Price: 1.93 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-11-08T06:08:53.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Climate: temperate
Planting Time: 6 Weeks
Common Name: Lettuce
Color: Green, Red
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n/a
Soil Type: Loam
California Prop 65 Warning: n/a
Brand: Fresh
Season of Interest: Spring
Soil pH: Neutral
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Watering: Medium
Unit Type: Unit
Genus: Lactuca
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Unit Quantity: 800