Can lettuce be grown in winter?

Lettuce is a fast-growing leafy vegetable . The appropriate growing temperature is 18-25℃. When the night temperature is below 12℃, the greenhouse should be covered. In winter, the growing period of lettuce may be extended due to lower temperatures. So can lettuce be grown in winter? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Can lettuce be planted in winter?

Lettuce can be grown in winter, but whether it can be successfully grown depends on many factors, including planting environment, variety selection and management measures. Lettuce likes plenty of sunlight, so when planting in winter, you need to ensure sufficient light.

Lettuce prefers a cool climate and cannot tolerate high temperatures or severe cold. In some areas in the south where winter temperatures are milder, lettuce may be able to survive the winter naturally and grow. In northern regions, since the temperature is generally low in winter, rapeseed grown in the open field may be damaged by frost. Therefore, it usually needs to be planted in a greenhouse or shed and maintain suitable temperature and humidity.

2. How to plant lettuce in winter

1. Seed treatment

First wrap the seeds with gauze and soak them in cold water for about 1 hour, then pick them up and place them at 15-20℃. Or place them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and then you can sow them after the seeds turn white.

2. Planting

In southern my country, lettuce can be grown in all seasons, but it needs to be grown indoors or in greenhouses in winter. The sowing time should be determined according to the local climate and planting conditions, and is usually chosen during a period of relatively mild temperatures. Evenly spread the treated seeds on the seedbed and cover them with 0.5 cm thick medicated soil mixed with medicine. Build a shed to protect against sun and rain.

3. Seedling management

When the seedlings grow two true leaves, separate them and transplant them at a density of 6 cm x 6 cm. The seedbed should be kept moist and shaded at noon. Pay attention to disease and pest control during the seedling stage.

4. Land preparation and planting

About 25 days after sowing, when the lettuce has 5-6 true leaves, it should be transplanted in the greenhouse in time. Before planting, apply 3500-4000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer , 20-25 kg of phosphorus fertilizer, 40-50 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, and 10-15 kg of potassium fertilizer per mu. After general application, the land is prepared and ridges are made. The ridge width is 1-1.5 meters, the row spacing is 10 cm × 10-15 cm, and 40,000 to 50,000 plants are planted per mu. After transplanting, water the plants thoroughly.

5. Field management

After transplanting and seedling growth, timely inter-row cultivation and weeding should be carried out to enhance soil permeability and promote root development. Water and apply fertilizer in time according to soil moisture conditions. Use root strengthening irrigation during the growth stage of lettuce to effectively prevent root rot, seedling death, premature aging of plants, etc.

The above is an introduction to whether lettuce can be planted in winter. Although lettuce can be planted in winter, the specific planting time needs to be determined according to local climatic conditions. When planting in a greenhouse or shed, it can be done all year round, but when planting in the open field, it is necessary to choose a period with relatively mild temperatures.