Leaf lettuce care guide
Lactuca sativa
Also known as: Red leaf lettuce, Green leaf lettuce, Lettuce
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Leaf lettuce
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, aiming at the base rather than the leaves to limit rot and disease.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Autumn sowings grow well now; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 4 days
- Growth slows, so as a guide water in the morning about two to three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Leaf lettuce
A sunny spot is about right, though half a day of sun is generally enough; it likes cool weather, so in the summer heat a half-shaded spot keeps the leaves tender.
Overwintering Leaf lettuce
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
It stands a light frost, but as a guide cover it with fleece or move it under the eaves or to a bright window indoors once frosts set in; growth nearly stops below about 5°C and the harvest slows.
Fertilizing and repotting Leaf lettuce
Fertilizer
In soil with a base fertilizer, diluted liquid feed about every two weeks from the five-to-six-leaf stage is usually enough; it is a short crop and does not need much.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Leaf lettuce
- Summer heat makes it bolt and the leaves turn bitter.
- Seed buried too deep fails to germinate.
- Rainy-season wetness rots the base into mush.
Tips for growing Leaf lettuce
- The seed needs light to germinate, so cover it only very thinly.
- Picking the outer leaves one by one lets a single plant crop for weeks.
- Above 25°C the seed germinates poorly, so pre-sprout summer sowings in the refrigerator.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
