How to Grow Leaf Lettuce
Get Your Exact Leaf Lettuce Planting Dates
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Your Leaf Lettuce dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Regular
Germination
1-7 days
Ready to Grow Leaf Lettuce?
Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.
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Companion Planting Guide for Leaf Lettuce
Discover which plants grow well with Leaf Lettuce and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →
Common Leaf Lettuce Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Black Seeded Simpson
Fast-growing heirloom loose-leaf lettuce; one of the most heat-tolerant green lettuces.
Red Sails
Frilly, burgundy-tinged loose leaf with mild flavor and good heat tolerance.
Oak Leaf
Deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves with sweet, mild flavor; very slow to bolt.
Salad Bowl
All-America Selections winner; frilly bowl-shaped plant with excellent heat tolerance.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Let plants bolt fully. Harvest seed heads daily as they ripen — they shatter quickly.
Processing
Shake ripe seed heads into a bag each day, dry seeds 1 week before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Bag flowers of different varieties to prevent crossing, or isolate by 25 feet.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Leaf Lettuce Planting Calendar by Zone
Leaf Lettuce Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Leaf Lettuce? +
Sow Leaf Lettuce seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Leaf Lettuce take to grow? +
Leaf Lettuce typically matures in about 45 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Leaf Lettuce indoors or direct sow? +
Leaf Lettuce does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Leaf Lettuce need? +
Leaf Lettuce requires full sun to thrive.
How much water does Leaf Lettuce need? +
Leaf Lettuce has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Leaf Lettuce? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Leaf Lettuce is rated easy. Let plants bolt fully. Harvest seed heads daily as they ripen — they shatter quickly. Shake ripe seed heads into a bag each day, dry seeds 1 week before storing.
How long do Leaf Lettuce seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Leaf Lettuce seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Leaf Lettuce seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Leaf Lettuce is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Leaf Lettuce
Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. It can be directly sown outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.
Expect your Leaf Lettuce to be ready for harvest in approximately 45 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.