Lettuce
Contrary to what summer salads may suggest, lettuce is in fact a cool-season crop that does best in spring, late summer, and autumn. High heat causes lettuce to bolt and run to seed. To slow summer lettuce from bolting, plant bolt-resistant varieties in light shade in mid-summer. In all other seasons, lettuce should be planted in full sun.
Thermal dormancy can be an issue where lettuce does not germinate in soil temperatures above 15°C. If planting in the very hot months (Nov-Feb), then chill seed in the fridge for a few days to break dormancy. Lettuce also needs to be shallowly sown as it requires light to germinate. All of these points can make it difficult for the novice to sow successfully every time.
Lettuce will germinate in temperatures as low as 5°C, so don’t be scared to sow directly outside early in the season. If in doubt about keeping direct-sown seed moist, cover with a thin hessian cloth for the first 5 days.
Lettuce enjoys high levels of soil fertility. Although best started off in seedling trays, lettuce can be direct-seeded and thinned in the beds.
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Little Caesar
Lactuca sativaA tall yet compact Romaine-type variety perfect for small gardens and container garden..
R29.19
Little Gem
Lactuca sativa Known by the French as "Sucrine," Little Gem is truly a gem, both in the garden an..
R30.27
Lollo Rosa Darki
Lactuca sativa Lovely loose leaf red heirloom lettuce originally from Italy. The plants (and he..
R27.03
Luxury Loose Leaf Mix
Lactuca sativa A blend of our top-selling loose-leaf varieties. This is the most affordable and c..
R31.35
Michelle
Lactuca sativa One of the most superb lettuces to grow in spring as it can handle the heat better..
R28.11
Mixed Lettuce Blend
Lactuca sativaA mix of 4 different lettuce varieties. This blend contains a variety of loose-leaf an..
R29.19
Nevada
Lactuca sativaA Batavian-type lettuce that grows well in all climates, with a bright green, tall, op..
R28.11
Oakleaf Green
Lactuca sativa Introduced in 1771 by French seed company Vilmorin, this is an outstanding green, ..
R28.11
Oakleaf Red
Lactuca sativa Introduced in 1771 by French seed company Vilmorin, this is an outstanding red, oa..
R29.19
Parris Island
Lactuca sativa Introduced in 1952, this is a firm favourite for many gardeners. Produces firm, ..
R28.11
Prizehead
Lactuca sativaA.k.a. Prize Head or Early Prize Head, this stunning heirloom was first listed in 1881..
R28.11
Reine des Glaces
Lactuca sativaA stunning French heirloom that has stood the test of time. Reine des Glaces translate..
R28.11
Romaine Red
Lactuca sativa A stunner of a lettuce, Romaine Red is a real prize in the garden. The thick, upri..
R28.11
Rossimo
Lactuca sativaAn exceptionally beautiful, colourful loose-leaf variety. A prolific producer of strik..
R28.11
Royal Oakleaf
Lactuca sativaA beautiful, frilly-shaped oakleaf lettuce variety. The tender leaves form attractive ..
R29.19
Ruby Red
Lactuca sativaAnother excellent heat-tolerant loose-leaf heirloom. Ruby Red lettuce provides a colou..
R28.11
Salad Bowl Green
Lactuca sativa An All-America Selections prize winner since 1952, Salad Bowl Green is well known ..
R28.11
Salad Bowl Red
Lactuca sativa An All-America Selections prize winner since 1952, Salad Bowl Red is well known fo..
R28.11
Saladin
Lactuca sativaThis beautiful open-pollinated Iceberg-type produces a large, tightly wrapped, green h..
R28.11
Sandy
Lactuca sativaA beautiful, frilly green oakleaf variety. The leaves are tender and deliciously sweet..
R28.11