Getting Started

Start Seeds Inside:
Starting lettuce seeds indoors in late summer or early fall allows for a controlled environment with good germination and strong seedlings that are ready for transplanting as soon as outdoor conditions cool.

Direct Seed:
Direct seeding lettuce during cooler months takes advantage of ideal temperatures and avoids the heat stress that can lead to bolting and bitter leaves.

Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting lettuce starter plants provides a head start in the garden, allowing for quicker harvests and more efficient use of bed space, especially in small or intensively planted gardens.

Weather plays a big role: leaf types grow especially well in Florida, while crisphead types should only be grown in the coolest months. Lettuce is sensitive to both heat and hard freezes—warm temperatures can cause bitterness and early bolting, and freezing can damage or kill plants.

Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing

Soil:
Lettuce prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and soil structure.

Sun:
Partial shade is beneficial during the hottest part of the day in Florida. Use shade cloths or choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce bolting and bitterness.

Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give foliage time to dry, which helps limit disease.

Spacing:
Plant lettuce seeds or transplants about 8–12 inches apart in rows spaced around 18 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation, reduces disease pressure, and allows heads or leaf rosettes to reach full size.

Sow seeds very shallow, as lettuce needs light to germinate. You can lightly press seeds into the soil surface or barely cover them with fine soil.

Fertilization, Harvest, and Common Problems

Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Lettuce benefits from a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support leafy growth, such as 10-5-5 or 20-10-10, along with plenty of organic matter.

When to Add:
Before Planting: Apply fertilizer and mix it into the soil before sowing or transplanting to encourage strong initial growth.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply every 2–4 weeks during the growing season to support ongoing leafy growth and tender, flavorful leaves.

Application Tips:

• Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
• Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of plants and avoid direct contact with stems.
• Water thoroughly after fertilizing to help nutrients move into the root zone.

Additional Tips:

• Build organic matter with compost to improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and buffer soil temperature.
• Keep moisture and nutrients consistent—stress can make leaves tough or bitter.

Harvesting:
Lettuce is ready to harvest when leaves reach a usable size, usually 6–8 inches long. Loose-leaf varieties can be harvested by cutting outer leaves and allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Head lettuce is ready when heads are firm and well-formed, typically 60–80 days after planting.

Pests and Diseases in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.
• Slugs and Snails: Feed on leaves, leaving holes and ragged edges, especially in cool, moist conditions.
• Leaf Miners: Larvae tunnel inside leaves, creating winding, pale trails and weakening plants.
• Downy Mildew: Causes yellowing leaves with fuzzy, grayish growth on the undersides, especially in cool, damp weather.
• Powdery Mildew: Appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, reducing vigor and quality.
• Lettuce Mosaic Virus: Viral disease causing mottled leaves, distortion, and stunted growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

Natural Pest Control

By selecting the right lettuce varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful lettuce harvest in your Florida garden.

Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid

Companion Plants:

Plants to Avoid Nearby: