Lettuce Seeds - Iceberg Batavian - Lactuca sativa

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11: Lettuce is a cool-season annual that can be grown in all zones. Success is achieved by timing the planting so the lettuce matures during a period of cool weather.

Best Performance: Thrives in cool temperatures between 60-70 degrees F, which promotes the best flavor and head formation while preventing bolting (premature flowering). Spring and fall are the prime growing seasons for most of the country.

Northern Zones (2-5): For an early summer harvest, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost or direct sow as soon as soil is workable. Plant again in late summer (around August) for a productive fall crop that can withstand light frosts.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11): Avoid planting to mature in the summer heat. The best time to plant is in the fall for a long and productive winter harvest season. A second planting in late winter will yield a crop in the spring before high temperatures arrive.

Soil Temperature: Lettuce seeds germinate best in cool soil, with an optimal range of 40-75 degrees F. Germination rates decline significantly in soil temperatures above 80 degrees F.

Growing Season: Requires about 70-85 days of cool weather to grow from seed to a full, harvestable head. Plan your sowing dates to ensure this maturation window falls within your region's cool season.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Lettuce can be started indoors for an early harvest or sown directly into the garden.

Starting Indoors:

Sow 2-3 seeds per cell in seed trays about 3-4 weeks before you plan to transplant.

Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Lettuce needs some light for germination, so do not plant too deeply.

Keep the soil consistently moist and cool. Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.

Harden off the seedlings for about a week before transplanting them into the garden.

Direct Sowing Outdoors:

Site Preparation: Choose a location with full sun to light shade and rich, well-draining soil. Work compost into the top few inches of soil to improve fertility and water retention.

When: Sow in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and again in late summer for a fall crop. In hot climates, sow in the fall.

How: Sow seeds thinly in rows 12-18 inches apart. Cover lightly with 1/4 inch of fine soil.

Water: Water the area gently and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the germination period.

Care and Maintenance:

Thinning (Essential for Heads): When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, you must thin them to stand 10-12 inches apart. This spacing is crucial for giving the plants room to form a dense head. The thinnings are edible and great for an early micro-salad.

Watering: Lettuce has a shallow root system and needs consistent moisture to stay sweet and crisp. Water at the soil level to keep the leaves dry and prevent disease. A lack of water can lead to bitterness.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or grass clippings around the plants to help keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing: If growth is slow or the leaves are pale, a side-dressing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be beneficial.

Harvesting:
Harvest your iceberg lettuce when the head feels firm, dense, and is of a good size. Check for firmness by gently squeezing the head. Harvest in the cool of the morning for the best quality. Use a sharp knife to cut the head at the base, just above the soil line.