If you choose to accomplish only one gardening task this year, let it be learning how to grow lettuce. This versatile green is part of the Asteraceae Family and comes in many different varieties, all equally delicious. Best of all, it is easy to grow even for beginners, and just a few plants can provide you with an abundant harvest all season long.
Lettuce is obviously great as a base for a salad, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. Some varieties can be cooked or grilled, stuffed to make lettuce wraps, thrown into a soup or a stir-fry, or as a crispy base for fancy hors-d’oeuvres. Lettuce has a high water content, making it a very hydrating food, and its Vitamin A content supports skin and bone health. As prices of lettuce skyrocket in grocery stores, growing it yourself is not only great for your health but also your budget.
Growing lettuce in GardenSoxx® | Plant Family: Asteraceae
Different Varieties of Lettuce
The different varieties of lettuce typically fall into four categories: Romaine, Butterhead, Crisphead and Looseleaf. An easy and adaptable garden crop, most varieties are quick-growing and will allow for multiple harvests throughout the season.
Little Gem is a popular mini romaine lettuce variety that grows into small, tender lettuce heads with crisp outer leaves. An excellent choice for small spaces, this variety matures in 70 days, but baby leaves may be harvested before then.
An early-season favorite in the red leaf lettuce varieties is the Red Oak Lettuce. This is a looseleaf variety that matures in as little as 40 days from seed, and thrives in cooler weather. Get the seeds sown as early as possible - and plant again at the end of summer for a fall harvest.
One of the most popular Butterhead heirloom lettuce varieties is Bibb lettuce. Home gardeners love it for its adaptability to both cool and warm temperatures. While in the kitchen it is appreciated for its buttery, tender texture and versatility.
Organic iceberg lettuce may be the top choice in the Crisphead category for many home growers. While store-bought iceberg can sometimes lack flavor - a homegrown head will have a pleasant, crisp sweetness, especially toward the center.
For something a bit different, the Lollo Rosa is a fun curly lettuce variety that can double as an ornamental plant. This variety is resistant to slugs and other pests, and has a light green center that expands outward into a larger lettuce with purple leaves.
Nutritional Information For Lettuce
Nutritional Facts - per 100/g
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 | - |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | - |
| Sodium | 28 mg | - |
| Potassium | 194 mg | - |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | - |
| Sugar | 0.8 g | - |
| Protein | 1.4 g | - |
| Vitamin C | - | 15% |
| Iron | - | 4% |
| Calcium | - | 3% |
How to Grow Lettuce in Your GardenSoxx®
As lettuce is pretty quick to grow, you can sow seeds directly outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. You can sow seeds every 2-3 weeks in order to have a continuous harvest. Lettuce does well in full sun, while there are a few varieties that prefer a bit of shade. It should be watered often to make sure the soil remains moist.
Lettuce Seed to Harvest Time: 30-60 Days
How to Harvest Lettuce
Harvest lettuce by cutting leaves at the base, starting with the outer, larger leaves. You can also cut off the whole head of lettuce, leaving the base and roots in the ground for it to regrow. For maximum flavor and tenderness, harvest before the lettuce gets too big or begins to grow upward and bolt.
