Head lettuce: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow heading lettuce under cover?
To sow heading lettuce under cover, choose a variety suited to the season and your climate. Spring, summer and winter lettuces do not all have the same adaptation. Check sowing dates and germination temperature on the packet. An overheated greenhouse can prevent some seeds emerging even when compost stays moist.
Prepare clean small pots or a module tray with drainage holes. Use fine, free-draining seed compost, preferably peat-free. Moisten it, distribute seeds without crowding and cover lightly following the supplier. Water gently and label the variety and date.
Keep containers in a bright place at moderate temperature. Ventilate, check moisture and let excess water drain away. Remove any lid after emergence. Insufficient light produces long, weak seedlings, so keep pots near the light source without overheating.
Once seedlings have a few true leaves and are sturdy enough, move crowded ones into individual pots. Continue growing until plugs are well rooted. Gradually harden off before planting outdoors and check the weather. This intermediate potting step is separate from final planting.
How do you sow heading lettuce outdoors?
How do you plant heading lettuce?
How to care for this plant
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Thin seedlings
If your lettuces are crowded and you want whole heads, thin gradually to about 15–30 cm according to the variety. Keep closer spacing for promptly harvested baby leaves. In a module, select the seedling you want to keep.
How do you harvest heading lettuce?
