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Sow the seeds 1/4-inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows set 12 inches apart. Mist the soil daily with water so it remains moist. Lettuce seeds should germinate within one week at temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and most lettuce will sprout eventually if the temperatures don’t exceed 95 degrees.
Will lettuce seeds germinate in hot weather?
Lettuce can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the early spring. Depending on the variety you plant, lettuce seeds can begin germinating in temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees. But lettuce will ideally germinate when temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees.
How do you germinate lettuce in hot weather?
Meet the Heat Challenge Grow loose leaf varieties that are heat-resistant or slow-bolting, rather than varieties that form heads. Use transplants or germinate seeds indoors in containers away from heat. Provide shade. Don’t skimp on water. Mulch lightly with an organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
How do you start lettuce seeds in the summer?
Lettuce seeds don’t sprout easily when the soil temperature is over 22°C (72°F) in summer. Get around this by sprouting them indoors in a cool area, or pre-sprout by sprinkling seeds on a damp paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few days.
Can you grow lettuce in summer?
Lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa cultivars) traditionally favour cooler climates, having a tendency to bolt in the heat. However, there are a number of heat tolerant varieties available, and these are perfect for growing in summer – simply add plenty of water and a bit of shade.
Can I grow lettuce in a greenhouse in summer?
Did you know? Lettuce can be sown as late as October under cloches and in polytunnels or greenhouses but choose the hardier varieties such as ‘All the Year Round’.
Can I plant lettuce in July?
Summer varieties of lettuce will do great in July and August and seeds can be planted directly in the garden. Just be sure to keep the seeds moist till they germinate and get established. Most summer lettuce varieties resist bolting and tip burn.
Does lettuce need sun or shade?
The ideal lettuce growing location for spring and fall is in a spot that receives full sun. If you plan on growing lettuce during the summer or in warm planting zones, partial shade can provide protection from the heat.
How do you germinate lettuce seeds?
Lettuce seeds are tiny, and they require light to germinate, so cover the seeds lightly never more than 1/4 inches with potting medium. Then spray with water until thoroughly moist and mist every morning to keep the medium moist at all times. Seeds will germinate in 7 to 10 days, depending on the type.
Can you plant lettuce seeds in June?
However, you can still get away with sowing hardy greens like chard, kale, and some lettuces (though certain types of lettuce may go to seed if the temperature climbs too high). All root vegetables, like carrots, beets, and parsnips, will do well sown in June.
Should I soak lettuce seeds before planting?
The best way to try to speed up lettuce germination is to soak the seeds for 12-24 hours before planting them. Also, give them plenty of light right from the start.
How long does lettuce take to germinate?
Cover with only a fine layer of compost, as lettuce seeds need light to germinate. They should begin to germinate after about 7 days. Once they are big enough to handle, thin the seedlings out to allow 10-20cm between plants and mulch around them with well-rotted compost to lock in moisture and keep them healthy.
How do you grow lettuce all summer long?
Provide shade Lettuce doesn’t need full sun; in fact, it’ll perform better if you give it indirect light and cool shade. Plant summer lettuce underneath tall plants or arbors, or make your own shade structure. Some gardeners keep their lettuce in container gardens, which can be moved to shady spots in warm months.
Does lettuce need lots of water?
Lettuce has shallow roots, so plants need consistent watering. Check at least twice a week and water if the soil is dry down to 1 inch deep. Containers of lettuce need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, especially in the summer.
What lettuce grows well in summer?
Bibb lettuce will develop bitterness if temperatures are above 95 degrees F. Three good choices are: Buttercrunch (55-days), a small, fast-maturing, dark green bibb lettuce; Tom Thumb, (35-50-days) an easy, fast-growing miniature variety of butterhead; and Red Cross (48d), a heat- tolerant, red butterhead.
Can I grow lettuce in seed trays?
Place your trays in your greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame or windowsill to germinate. They should be ready to plant out in about 4 weeks. It is crucial to harden off lettuce raised indoors before planting out. The best way is to use a cloche or mini greenhouse.
What temperature can lettuce tolerate?
Lettuce is adapted to cool growing conditions with the optimum temperatures for growth of 60 to 65°F. At 70 to 80°F, the plants flower and produce seed. Lettuce can tolerate a few days of temperatures from 80 to 85°F, provided that nights are cool.
How often do you water lettuce seeds?
ANSWER: Lettuce should be watered not daily but instead about twice a week, or once every four or five days, for most of its growing period. It will need to be watered lightly but more frequently for the first two weeks after planting, perhaps daily, depending on your climate.
