When to transplant lettuce seedlings? A planting guide for a productive harvest

Lettuce is one of the freshest greens on the table. If you grow it in a garden or pot, timing matters most. Lettuce is a cool-season crop and does not like extreme heat. So when should lettuce seedlings go in for the best result?

1. Planting windows by season

There are two main transplanting periods in the year:

• Spring: After the last frosts, when the soil starts to warm (March and April).
• Autumn: After the hottest summer weather, September and October are ideal.

2. Regional differences

Because Turkey’s climate varies, transplanting time changes by region:

• Mild regions (Aegean and Mediterranean): Winters are not severe, so planting can continue in stages from September to March.
• Continental climate (Central and Eastern Anatolia): Wait until frost risk has passed; late March or early April is preferred.

3. Ideal temperatures

Lettuce seedlings grow best between 15 °C and 20 °C. Above 25 °C they bolt quickly, leaves turn bitter and quality drops. Avoid transplanting in the height of summer.

4. Transplanting tips

• Spacing: Leave 25–30 cm between plants and 30–40 cm between rows so air can move and fungal disease risk falls.
• Depth: Plant at the same soil level as in the tray. Too deep can cause the heart to rot.
• Watering-in: Water thoroughly right after transplanting so roots make contact with the soil.

Harvest time

A seedling transplanted at the right time reaches harvest in about 45 to 60 days, depending on variety and weather.

For fresh, crisp lettuce, follow the cool weather.