Lettuce is an essential leafy vegetable and is the foundation of the green salad. Requiring little space it is quick and easy to grow.
Planting Calendar
With so many varieties to choose from, lettuce can be grown throughout the year.
Harvest In
40-70 Days
Depending on the variety, lettuce is ready to harvest usually within 40-70 days. Harvest leaf lettuce by simply removing outer leaves so that the center leaves can continue to grow. Harvest butterhead, cos, and iceberg types by digging up the whole plant, or cutting the plant about an inch above the soil surface.
Prepare
Position
Lettuce likes full sun and a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Soil
When planted into the ground lettuce likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost, Kings Sheep Pellets along with some Nature's Organic fertiliser then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Living Earth Organic Vegetable Mix with Saturaid added to assist with dispersing water down to the roots.
Plant
Lettuce can be sown directly into the garden, raised beds or containers that are at least 30cm deep. Or sown into a seed tray with Organic Seed raising mix and transplanted out once they have formed their second set of leaves. Gently remove the seedling from the tray and plant into the vegetable garden. Space plants 40cm apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Take care when transplanting so that the young soft roots are not damaged. Gently firm the soil down after planting and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this will help the seedlings settle in.
Care
Watering
Lettuce like to be kept moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help direct water to the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets and a side dressing of Nature’s Organic fertiliser will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food
Protecting
Protect young plants from Slugs and Snails by applying Quash. Re-apply after rain. Protect young seedling from birds by covering with bird netting.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Aphids can be an issue sometimes, if needed spray with Nature's Way Organic Citrus, Veggie & Ornamental Spray
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
Heat and lack of water can make lettuce bolt to seed quickly, during the hotter months of the year plant where they are protected from the hot midday sun.
Top Varieties
Iceberg
Iceberg is a heart forming crisp, crunchy lettuce that is great for the base of salads and sandwiches.
Cos
Cos is the lettuce used as the base for any good Caesar salad and has a very crisp crunch. Forming an upright heart.
Red or green oak leaf
As the name suggest the leaves of this variety are long and oak leaf shaped a great loose leaf type with a soft and sweet flavour.
Lollo Bionda (green) and Lollo Rossa (red):
Bionda and Rossa are ruffled loose leaf lettuces great for salads with a soft crunch and sweeet flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to plant lettuce?
Lettuce can be planted year-round in Auckland. However, the best time is during the cooler months of autumn and spring to avoid the intense summer heat.
How often should I water my lettuce?
Lettuce like to be kept moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help direct water to the root zone.
How can I prevent pests on my lettuce?
Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic methods like neem oil for aphids and set up beer traps or use copper tape to deter slugs and snails.
When is lettuce ready to harvest?
Depending on the variety, lettuce is ready to harvest usually within 40-70 days. Harvest leaf lettuce by simply removing outer leaves so that the center leaves can continue to grow. Harvest butterhead, cos, and iceberg types by digging up the whole plant, or cutting the plant about an inch above the soil surface.
Can I regrow lettuce from scraps?
You can regrow lettuce from the base of a head. Place the base in a shallow dish of water, keep it in a sunny spot, and change the water regularly. Once roots and new leaves appear, transplant it into soil.
