Romaine lettuce: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow romaine lettuce under cover?
Sow your romaine lettuce in bright shelter in spring or late summer according to cultivar and climate. Types suited to autumn or winter have their own schedules. Choose small batches to stagger plants rather than a large quantity reaching the same stage together.
Fill pots with drainage holes or a module tray with fine, free-draining compost. Moisten before distributing seeds. Cover thinly following packet instructions and firm lightly. Peat or terracotta pots are not essential. Mark the cultivar and date.
Keep compost moist without soaking it. Cool to mild conditions around 10 to 18 °C suit many romaine cultivars. Avoid overheating behind glass, as strong heat can reduce emergence. Ventilate shelter and provide plenty of light once seedlings appear.
If seedlings are crowded, move young plants to individual pots once large enough to handle. Protect roots and keep the centre clear. Continue growing, then harden off before planting, avoiding sudden exposure to strong sun or frost. Retain labels so you can follow the separate sowing batches.
How do you sow romaine lettuce outdoors?
How do you plant romaine 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 romaine lettuce?
