How long is the growing cycle of lettuce?

Introduction to Lettuce Growth

Lettuce is suitable for growing in a cool and humid climate environment. It requires slightly acidic soil with good permeability and rich organic matter. It is native to the Mediterranean coast of Europe and is mainly distributed in the southeastern coastal areas of my country.

Lettuce growth cycle

There must be no lack of water during the growth cycle of lettuce. If there is a lack of water too early, the leaves will taste bitter and have poor quality. However, there must not be too much water, otherwise it will cause soft rot and sclerotinia disease.

Lettuce is generally raised and transplanted in spring and autumn. The seedling period is about 25 days, and it is harvested about 35 days after transplanting. If it is sown directly in the summer, it can be harvested about 35 days after sowing, and it can be harvested about 50 days after transplanting in winter.

Lettuce growth rate

The growth cycle of lettuce mainly includes four stages: germination stage, seedling stage, plant growth stage and product organ formation stage. Its growth rate is relatively fast.

The germination period of lettuce is from sowing to the appearance of the first true leaf, the seedling period is when all the leaves of the first leaf ring are unfolded, the plant stage is when all the leaves of the second leaf ring are unfolded, and then the product organ formation period is when the plant begins to curl and mature.

Lettuce growth cycle management

The yield of lettuce per mu is generally 1000-3000 kg. If it is an early-maturing variety, the yield is about 1000-1500 kg. However, if it is a medium- or late-maturing variety, the yield per mu can generally reach about 2500 kg.

The characteristic of the growth cycle of lettuce is that the above-ground part of the seedling grows relatively slowly and in smaller amounts, while the underground part grows more vigorously and the weight of the root system increases rapidly.

Temperature Management

Lettuce prefers a cool growing environment. The suitable temperature for growth is 15℃-20℃. If you want the plant to germinate normally, you need to keep the temperature between 18-22℃. It will hardly germinate when it is above 30℃.

Fertilization management

During the lettuce growth cycle, it is necessary to ensure that the plants have sufficient nutrients. Nitrogen fertilizer needs to be applied once in the early stage of heading to promote leaf growth. Then the second fertilizer needs to be applied after 15-20 days. It is best to use nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. When the heart leaves begin to curl inward, apply compound fertilizer again.