Lettuce is generally a good start for beginner gardeners because it grows quickly, is not as demanding as other plants, can be produced for a long time, and can be planted in even the smallest spaces like plastic containers. Since you can harvest them in two months or less, it can be your quick and convenient source of fresh, leafy, and healthy greens.
Not to mention, lettuce provides “the crunch” and freshness in your dishes. They can be mixed in your typical garden salad, such as Caesar salad, as lettuce wraps, or as a filling for a classic BLT sandwich. Aside from its leaves, stems are prepared and cooked, like asparagus and broccoli.
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Benefits of Lettuce
Benefits of Lettuce
Lettuce is a nutrient-dense vegetable containing various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, folate, and iron. They are an incredible source of beta-carotene and vitamin A for eye and skin health and can help in hydration due to their high water content.
In this blog, you will be surprised by how you can grow lettuce and the essential tips and tricks you need to know before and after planting and harvesting.
4 Common Varieties of Lettuce
Lettuce is a versatile leafy green vegetable with several different varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and culinary uses. These lettuce varieties can generally be categorized into four main types:
1. Butterhead
Butterhead lettuce got its name from its signature buttery taste. This soft and tasty type of lettuce has its similarities to cabbage in terms of its shape and color. This has a higher iron content than any other variety.
2. Crisphead
Crisphead lettuce has a very rounded and compact head. It is mild in flavor and is crisp when eaten. Iceberg lettuce is the most common variety and is most commonly mistaken.
3. Loose-leaf
This type of lettuce does not form compact heads, hence the term “loose-leaf.” It grows individual frilly leaves that grow straight. Similar to crispheads, loose-leaf lettuce has a mild and sweet taste.
4. Romaine
Romaine lettuce also grows straight and upright but is grouped into loose heads.
Its leaves are blunt and somewhat folded and have that distinct crisp midrib in the middle. It is crunchy, succulent, and bitter-flavored.
Where Can I Grow My Lettuce?
Where can you grow your lettuce?
In the Garden
This method of planting is the most recommended for growing lettuce. Starting with the seeds, plant them on well-titled seedbeds about an eighth to a quarter inch deep. Don’t sow them too deep, or they won't get the necessary sunlight to grow. Set each row of lettuce apart depending on your planting variety.
- Loose-leaf lettuce – four inches
- Romaine and butterhead lettuce – eight inches
- Crisphead lettuce – 16 inches
Your choice of soil should be loose and well-draining. Water with a mist nozzle, ensuring the soil moisture is just right. Overwatering could cause infestation and diseases.
In the House
One of the first things to consider in growing lettuce indoors is the container you will use. It should be suitable for the plant’s shallow root system. A medium-sized plastic pot or container with small drainage holes best keeps the soil moist.
Find the part of your house where your plants can have at least six hours of sunlight (usually southern facing), but avoid placing them directly under the sun, as they might burn. You can invest in grow lights if you don’t have a reliable source of sunlight. Also, be wary of the temperature changes. Lettuce prefers cool temperatures of about 50 to 60 F (10 to 16 C).
The best type of varieties to plant indoors are:
- Butterhead – Tom Thumb
- Loose-leaf – Green and Red Oak Leaf, Salad Bowl
- Romaine – Little Gem
How To Grow Lettuce Hydroponically
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water instead of soil, which has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Want to learn more about hydroponics? If so, check out the 7 Reasons Why Hydroponics Can Dominate the World – Higher Yields and Top 12 Hydroponic Growing Mediums for Soilless Gardening.
For lettuce, the best-growing media for germinating seeds are stone wool or Rock-wool, phenolic foam, and lightweight clay aggregate. Fill up your trays with your chosen growing medium, slowly add your nutrient solution, sprinkle the seeds in each plug, then cover with the medium about a quarter of the way.
The seedlings are ready for transfer to your permanent hydroponics system in about two to three weeks. Adequate light, proper temperature regulation, and adequately maintained nutrient solution will provide the best quality lettuce.
Any variety of lettuce can be grown hydroponically, but these varieties are the easiest to grow, especially when you are just starting with your hydroponics journey:
- Butterhead – Buttercrunch
- Crisphead – Hanson Improved Crisphead Lettuce
- Loose-leaf – Grand Rapids, Salad Bowl
- Romaine – Little Gem, Winter Density
What is Bolting, and How to Prevent it?
Lettuce crops are inclined to bolt, a common problem that gardeners face. It is when flowers start to grow, and the plant produces a central stem and a seed stalk. This is caused by the temperature being higher than recommended (over 70°F/20°C) or changes in day length. When this happens, the leaves turn too bitter for consumption.
To prevent this, cover your plants with a shade cloth that protects the vegetables from strong UV rays. You can also consider growing tall plants such as tomatoes or sweet corn, which can shade your lettuce plants.
When to Harvest Lettuce?
You can harvest lettuce in three different phases of its growth cycle:
- Harvest them as a baby green by picking young leaves or harvesting the entire immature plant.
- Harvest the outer leaves before maturity, then leave the center leaves so they can continue to grow.
- Harvest the entire head by digging it or cutting it off about an inch above the soil.
Remember to keep an eye on your garden to be ready-to-harvest leaves. Overgrown lettuce will get bitter, woody, and rot quickly.
FAQs About Lettuce
Where do lettuce seeds come from?
Technically, lettuce does not produce seeds. The “seeds” are the “puffs” that come from the plant's flowers when they dry. They are usually small, oval-shaped, and come in white, brown, and dark gray colors.
When are lettuce leaves not edible anymore?
Lettuce leaves are generally quick to have discoloration after days of harvesting even though it is stored in the refrigerator. Usually, wilted leaves with small brown spots are still safe to eat. However, if there are signs of rotting accompanied by a slimy texture and a rancid smell, immediately discard them into the compost or trash bin.
How to properly store lettuce?
Lettuce remains fresh longer when the head is still intact and unwashed. If the leaves are already moist, shake off excess water with a spinner or pat dry with a paper towel. Store them in a plastic bag or a covered container for up to 10 days. Since moisture can shorten the shelf life, place a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture.
Related blog post: How to Level Up Your Garden with Smart Gardening
Conclusion
Lettuce is an easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for first-time gardeners and growers. This plant is versatile; it can grow in the garden, in plastic containers indoors, and even in hydroponics. Just remember that there are suggested varieties to use based on the method of planting you will do. Nevertheless, with proper care, you could grow and even harvest any lettuce by following what we shared in this blog.
Are the tips and tricks in this post beneficial to you? Lettuce know!
