When are lettuce seedlings planted?
Lettuce prefers a cool climate. Planting time therefore depends on your region and whether you grow in open field or under cover.
Spring
After frost risk has passed and the soil starts to warm (March and April).
Autumn
After the hottest summer weather, September and October are ideal.
Winter
In mild regions such as the Mediterranean and Aegean, suitable varieties can be planted through winter.
What to watch when transplanting
These steps help yield when seedlings go into the soil:
- Soil: Lettuce likes free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and holds moisture. Mixing in well-rotted manure or compost before planting helps.
- Spacing: Leave 25–30 cm between plants (head or leaf types) and 30–40 cm between rows so air can move and disease risk falls.
- Watering-in: Water immediately after transplanting so soil contacts the roots.
- Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the tray. Too deep can cause heart rot.
Crop care tips
- Irrigation: Lettuce is more than 90% water. Keep soil evenly moist but without standing water. Little and often is best.
- Temperature: Lettuce grows best at 15–20 °C. Above 25 °C it bolts quickly and leaves turn bitter.
- Weeding: Keep weeds down as plants grow so they do not compete for nutrients.
Harvest
Lettuce seedlings reach harvest about 45 to 60 days after transplanting. Leaf types can also be picked from the outside in, so the plant keeps growing from the centre.
Growing lettuce is a matter of patience and timing. Seedlings planted in the right season turn quickly into fresh salads.