A fast, easy cool-season leafy vegetable in crisp, cos and loose-leaf forms for year-round salads. Quick from seed and ideal for cut-and-come-again harvesting in beds or containers.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 25 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Lettuce
Botanically, Lactuca sativa is a fast-growing edible plant in the Asteraceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 25 cm wide at maturity.
Where to grow Lettuce
Lettuce suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Lettuce does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Lettuce does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Lettuce in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Lettuce in the garden
Lettuce earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Lettuce with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Lettuce
Plant Sale lists Lettuce as seedlings and seed. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Lettuce seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
