Lettuce is one of the best vegetables to grow in containers, indoors or out. It is easy to grow. It does not require a large container. You can grow lettuce to maturity in a pot just 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) across.
Grow lettuce outdoors in pots or boxes on doorsteps, porches, patios, balconies, and rooftops. Grow lettuce indoors on a windowsill or under lights.
Lettuce can be grown in its own container or in a large container at the feet of long-maturing plants such as tomatoes, corn, and eggplants. There are many excellent varieties to choose from, but there are four basic types:
Head lettuce (like the lettuce you buy in the grocery store) requires 80 to 85 days to mature. It has a tight, round head.
Butterhead lettuce (also known as Boston or bibb) matures in 65 to 80 days. It forms small, open heads.
Loose-leaf lettuce matures in 40 to 45 days. The leaves are loose and easily separated.
Romaine lettuce (also called Cos) matures in 70 to 80 days. It forms long, lightly folded heads.
Lettuce is a cool-weather crop. Choose a variety that will mature before warm summer weather. Loose-leaf lettuce varieties are the quickest to harvest.
Grow lettuce plants 4 to 10 inches (10-25cm) apart. Choose a container that will allow you to plant as many plants as you need.
Choose a container that is at least 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. This will accommodate a mature lettuce plant and its roots. The length of the container is determined by the number of plants you want to grow.
You can grow one lettuce plant to maturity in a 6-inch (15cm) pot. Loose-leaf lettuce leaves can be harvested whenever you need them.
Growing Lettuce
Lettuce can be started from seeds or transplant seedlings. You can purchase seedling at a garden center or grow your own.
Plant head lettuce 10 inches (25cm) apart.
Plant butterhead lettuce 4 to 5 inches (10-12cm) apart.
Plant loose-leaf and romaine lettuce 10 inches apart if you plan to harvest the leaves cut-and-come again over a period. If you plan let these loose-leaf or romaine types grow to maturity, plant them 6 inches apart.
Cover lettuce seed with ¼ to ½ inch of soil.
Lettuce Planting Time
Lettuce is a cool weather crop. Lettuce will go to seed in hot weather. Time lettuce planting so that plants mature in cool weather.
Start lettuce in early spring. Make plantings at two-week intervals for a continuous supply of greens.
Plant lettuce in late summer to mature in autumn outdoors.
Lettuce grown indoors can be planted at any time of the year. Plants can be brought to maturity under lights or can be moved outdoors when the weather is cool, but not cold.
Growing Lettuce Indoors Under Lights
Grow lettuce indoors under two 40-watt fluorescent tubes.
Feed plants growing indoors every two weeks with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer.
Leaves that turn yellow likely need a supplemental feeding.
Harvesting Lettuce
Harvest head lettuce when the center feels firm.
Harvest loose-leaf, butterhead, and romaine lettuce at maturity or as you need leaves, cut-and-come again.
Lettuce Varieties to Grow in Containers
Head Lettuce
Great Lakes (90 days). Good quality heads; stands up to warm weather and is slow to go to seed.
Iceberg A (80 days). Heirloom with medium head and fringed outer leaves; thrives in cool weather.
Butterhead (also known as Boston or bibb)
Butter King (70 days). Large butterhead, heat resistant.
Buttercrunch (75 days). Compact, heavy head.
White Boston (80 days). Tender heirloom with classic mild flavor and buttery heart.
Loose-leaf
Oakleaf (45 days). Heat-resistant heirloom; leaves shaped like oak leaves.
Salad Bowl (50 days). Crinkly leaves; All-America winner for its adaptability; heat resistant.
Red Sails (55 days). Easy to grow; burgundy leaves; slow to bolt; All-America Selection.
Early Prizehead (45 days). Tender loose heads; bright green leaves.
Romaine (also called Cos)
Paris Island Cos (76 days). Firm heads to 10 inches high; heat resistant.
Paris White Cos (83 days). Light green leaves; heat resistant.
One of the easiest ways to harvest your lettuce greens is by taking a few leaves at a time using the cut-and-come-again method. More good news: you can start harvesting leaves whenever you want! Lettuce sprouts, after all, can be consumed as microgreens since every part of this plant is edible from start to finish.
I removed the lower leaves so that the plant would concentrate it's energy on regrowing, not dealing with the leaves left behind. You'll be able to get away with 2-3 harvests per plant, after which they will most likely become too bitter or tough.
The easiest (and most effective) way to do this is to line a sturdy glass or plastic container with a few paper towels, then scatter your greens on top.Top with a matching lid and refrigerate. There should be some room in the container for the air to circulate, and the paper towels will absorb any excess moisture.
You can let a lettuce plant mature until it creates a full head of leaves. Harvest head lettuce with the "one and done" method. Simply cut the entire head of lettuce with a knife at the base of the plant, above the soil line. A harvest knife is useful for this.
Most lettuce can be harvested between 30 to 70 days after planting. When to harvest lettuce depends on the variety and what it will be used for. Really, timing is based on individual preference. Once your lettuce reaches the size you want, it's ready!
As soon as outer leaves are 4 to 6 inches in length start removing them. As new leaves become outer leaves and the plant continues to produce new growth in the center, keep harvesting the outer leaves until the plant sends up a flower stalk.
Start by cutting your purchased lettuce about 1-2 inch from the bottom. Place the stem-end in a shallow dish with about half an inch of water or just enough to keep the stem-end submerged. Place the dish on a windowsill or under grow lights. Change the water every one to two days so the edges don't get soggy.
It's so easy: Just sprinkle a few seeds on the soil surface — don't worry about burying them — and in about three days they'll sprout. In just another week or two, you can start harvesting lettuce leaves to enjoy that unparalleled straight-from-the-garden taste.
They are often called cut-and-come-again lettuces. Cutting lettuces are mostly nonheading leaf varieties from two groups, Grand Rapids and oakleaf. The Grand Rapids group produces broad, crinkled, and frilly leaves, while the oakleaf varieties have flatter and distinctively lobed leaves.
Dry Well. Spin the greens dry or lay them out on a clean kitchen towel. Dry greens stay fresh longer and are easier to dress. Now your lettuces or greens are ready to be dressed and enjoyed.
Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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