Loose-Leaf Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Cut-and-come-again greens ready in weeks — perfect for containers.
Sun
Partial shade in summer
Water
Little and often
Soil
Moist, fertile, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
15–20 cm apart
Days to harvest
30–50 days
Hardiness
Zones 4–9
Seasonal Calendar
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Sow Harvest
The method
- 1
Sow shallow
Barely cover seeds — they need light to germinate. Water gently to avoid displacing them.
- 2
Sow little, often
Sow a short row every 2 weeks for a continuous supply instead of a glut.
- 3
Water in the morning
Consistent moisture keeps leaves sweet. Dry spells trigger bitterness and bolting.
- 4
Cut and come again
Harvest outer leaves with scissors 2 cm above the crown — the plant regrows 3–4 times.
Common problems
Bolting
Caused by heat. Move to shade, mulch, choose slow-bolt varieties for summer sowings.
Slugs
Hand-pick at night, use copper tape around beds, or beer traps.
Good neighbors
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Field tips
- “Grow under taller sun-loving crops for summer shade.”
- “Bitter leaves can be revived by soaking in ice water for 15 minutes.”