Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Family: Asteraceae
Lettuce grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
How to Grow Lettuce
Lettuce growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun or partial shade, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Lettuce as 2-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/8 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 30-70 days.
Plant Overview
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is listed in the Asteraceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0009
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Leafy cool-season annual
- Mature height
- Approximately 6-12 inches
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Lettuce is listed for full sun or partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun or partial shade
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 6-12 inches depending on type
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 2-10 days and the seed depth is 1/8 inch. The listed time to maturity is 30-70 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 2-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 40-75°F
- Seed depth
- 1/8 inch
- Sowing method
- Direct sow or start indoors for transplanting
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 30-70 days
- Harvest
- Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut mature heads
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, slugs, snails and caterpillars
- Uses
- Salads, sandwiches, wraps and fresh eating
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.