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How to Grow Leaf Lettuce

Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Ready to grow Leaf Lettuce?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Amazon 🌿 True Leaf

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Find Your Leaf Lettuce Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Lactuca sativa
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 45 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

1-7 days

Ready to Grow Leaf Lettuce?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Buy on Amazon 🌿 True Leaf Market

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When 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

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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Leaf Lettuce Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

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.