Lettuce plants are cool-season annuals that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have broad, dark green leaves that are usually crisp and crunchy. The leaves can be either loose-leaf or head-forming, depending on the variety. Lettuce plants are shallow-rooted and require frequent watering and fertilizing to produce a good crop. They prefer a well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. The plants are susceptible to several diseases, including downy mildew and leaf spot, as well as several insect pests.
Planning Your Garden With Lettuce
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Lettuce is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Lettuce is a hardy vegetable that can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Lettuce can usually tolerate temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest lettuce is usually around 21 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown lettuce plant is around 12-18 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing lettuce is 6-8 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | The sun tolerance of lettuce varies depending on the variety. Generally, lettuce prefers partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than 4-5 hours per day. |
| Shade tolerance | Lettuce is a moderately shade tolerant plant, and can tolerate some shade, but does best when grown in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Lettuce requires an average of 1 inch of water per week. It is best to water lettuce deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to become completely dry between waterings. Lettuce prefers evenly moist soil, so it is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly. Over-watering can cause the lettuce to become bitter and can also increase the risk of disease. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing lettuce depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing lettuce is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Lettuce is Popular
People like to grow lettuce because it is relatively easy to grow, and it is a nutritious and versatile vegetable. Lettuce is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. Additionally, it can be grown indoors or outdoors, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Companion Plants For Lettuce
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for lettuce include:
Common Pests For Lettuce
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow lettuce, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- snails
- flea beetles
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- cabbage loopers
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
