Lettuce is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow, not just for seasoned gardeners but beginners too. Choosing healthy young plants or reliable seed varieties will help you enjoy a steady supply of tasty leaves throughout the season.
There are several main types of lettuce, each offering something different. Loose‑leaf, great for regular harvesting; Cos/Romaine, providing upright, crunchy leaves; Butterhead, with soft, tender hearts; and Crisphead, supplying firmer, iceberg‑style heads. Loose‑leaf varieties are perfect for small gardens and containers, as you can pick the leaves little and often.
Lettuce is suitable to grow in pots, troughs and even window boxes. Choose a container at least 20 to 25cm wide and use good‑quality, moisture‑retaining compost. Because lettuce has shallow roots, pots don’t need to be deep. Use good quality, moisture-retaining compost.
Lettuce grows happily in beds or borders. Sow seeds about 1cm deep in rows 20cm apart. You can also transplant seedlings into the ground from late March to July., Keep the soil moist and don’t let it dry out and keep the growing area clear of weeds.
Lettuce needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. It’s best to be consistent with watering as otherwise the leaves might become bitter and the plants might bolt. Container‑grown lettuce generally need more frequent watering. Don’t let compost dry out. Mulching around plants in summer helps retain moisture.
If the soil is well prepared, additional feeding is rarely needed for lettuces. For container crops, a light liquid feed every couple of weeks can help keep growth steady.
Harden off young plants for a week before planting outside.
Sow every two to three weeks for a continuous supply.
In hot weather, provide shade to keep plants cool.
Space plants well to reduce the risk of bolting.
If you want early winter lettuce, sow outdoors in mid-August. Protect the young plants with a cloche from around late-September. For spring harvests, sow in September or as late as October in a greenhouse or under a coldframe.
Loose-leaf lettuce can be ready in as little as 4 to 6 weeks, while hearting varieties take longer as you need to wait for the head to feel firm. Regular harvesting of lettuce encourages more growth and keeps plants productive for weeks.
Need more advice?
For advice and suggestions on growing lettuce in your garden, chat to our garden centre plants team who will be happy to help.
Freshly picked lettuce is crisp, sweet and miles better than anything in a bag. Use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps or as a base for summer dishes. Mix different varieties for colour and texture. For a simple treat, toss just‑picked leaves with olive oil, lemon and a pinch of sea salt. Tasty!
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