Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
By Rowan Plank · Published September 28, 2026
Sun
Full sun in spring/fall; part shade helps in summer heat
Water
Frequent, light, consistent watering
Spacing
4 in (leaf) to 10–12 in (crisphead), rows 12–18 in apart
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Days to maturity
50–60 days (leaf); 60–70 days (butterhead), from seed
Hardiness zones
Cool-season annual in all zones; grown fall–spring in zones 8–9
When to plant: Early spring and late summer; finish spring sowing at least a month before hot weather
Lettuce grows best when the average daily temperature is 60–70°F, so plant it in early spring and again in late summer. Sow seed ¼–½ in deep, thin to 4 in apart for leaf types and up to 10–12 in for crisphead, and harvest leaf lettuce in 50–60 days.
It's a quick, low-effort raised bed crop and one of the best for succession planting — sow a short row every couple of weeks for a steady harvest instead of one big flush.
When should you plant lettuce?
Sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and finish at least a month before hot summer weather arrives. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop. Above about 70°F growth slows, and long warm days push plants to bolt.
Plant it twice a season
Most gardeners get a spring crop and a second fall crop rather than trying to grow lettuce straight through summer.
How far apart should you plant lettuce?
It depends on the type. Rows go 12–18 in apart; within the row, thin seedlings as they grow — and eat the thinnings.
| Type | Spacing in the row | Days to harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf (loose-leaf) | 4 in | 50–60 | Easiest; pick outer leaves as it grows |
| Butterhead (Bibb, Boston) | 6–8 in | 60–70 | Soft, loose heads |
| Romaine (cos) | 6–8 in | Longer than leaf | Upright; fairly heat-tolerant |
| Crisphead (iceberg) | 10–12 in | Longest | Hardest to grow in hot weather |
How much water does lettuce need?
Frequent, light watering gives the fastest growth and the best-quality leaves. Lettuce has shallow roots, so the top few inches of soil shouldn't dry out — uneven moisture is what causes tipburn.
What problems does lettuce get?
- Bolting — heat, long days, and age push the plant to flower; time plantings for cool weather.
- Slugs — soft leaves are a favorite; hand-pick and keep the bed free of hiding spots.
- Tipburn — brown leaf edges from uneven watering, not disease.
Use the Raised Bed Soil Calculator to plan a dedicated salad bed.
Sources: Lettuce — University of Illinois Extension, Growing Lettuce — UMN Extension.
Companion plants
Chives, Carrots, Radishes
FAQ
Why did my lettuce suddenly turn bitter and shoot up a tall stalk?
That's bolting — long days, warm temperatures, and plant age push lettuce to flower. Once it bolts the leaves stay bitter, so time plantings for cool weather and try heat-tolerant varieties for late spring.
What causes brown, crispy edges on lettuce leaves?
That's tipburn, a physiological problem — not a pest or disease. It comes from swings in soil moisture, so even, regular watering is the fix.
Can I keep harvesting the same lettuce plant?
Leaf lettuce, yes: pick the outer leaves and let the center keep growing. Head types are usually cut once, when the head is full.