Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
Similar to the bibb types, this lettuce differs in its thick green leaves and small, tight head.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Lettuce is a cool season vegetable that can stand a freeze. Plant it early in spring and harvest it before hot weather arrives. You can plant it again in early fall. For the earliest production, start with transplants, either homegrown or from garden centers. To grow your own, sow the earliest seed for lettuce indoors about 8 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. Grow the plants under lights or in a greenhouse, and transplant them into the garden when they are large enough to handle. Transplants are usually available from garden centers about that time as well.

Plant in a sunny location that provides at least 8 hours of sun a day. Make sure the soil is well-drained, but moist, as lettuce cannot stand consistently wet, soggy soil. Water regularly. Add a 1/2 inch to one inch layer of compost to soil surface and then till or turn in.

In rows, space the transplants of head lettuce about 12 inches apart, with 12 to 18 inches between rows. In a bed, space the plants of head lettuce 12 inches apart. Set the plants at the same depth they were growing.

Lettuce also grows well in containers but you'll need to pay a little closer attention to watering and fertilizing.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
If you don't have very fertile soil, fertilize at planting time with 10-10-10 at a rate of 1.5 lbs per 100 square feet or alternatively you can use an organic vegetable food.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
If you want a "head of lettuce" like you buy at the grocery store, most buttercrunch varieties take 72-75 days but, during spring, if the weather is getting hotter, you might want to just harvest while you can. Cutting the outer leaves as you need them is the easiest way to get the freshest, tastiest lettuce. When plants are large enough, harvest every other leaf, leaving more room for the others to grow.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
Pests may affect the plantings. Control insects by keeping the plants well spaced and harvested as they mature. Control aphids by spraying undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or an other organic insect control product.