When is the best time to plant lettuce?

The growth cycle of lettuce is usually about 40 days. It prefers cool climatic conditions and the seedlings can withstand temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. The ideal temperature range for lettuce seeds to germinate is 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Let’s learn together in detail when is the best time to plant lettuce?

When is the best time to plant lettuce?

Spring and fall are the best times to sow lettuce, given its specific temperature requirements. The high temperature in summer is not conducive to the growth of lettuce. In order to promote the transformation of seeds' internal substances and enhance enzyme activity, it is necessary to treat seeds with low temperature before sowing. However, under protected cultivation conditions such as greenhouses, lettuce can be grown in winter and supplied to the market all year round.

Seedling raising for spring sowing of lettuce is usually scheduled between February and April, while that for autumn sowing is from late July to late August. For growing small home gardens, especially non-ball lettuce varieties, the schedule can be more flexible. The autumn sowing period can be extended to early to mid-September to meet family consumption needs.

Key points of greenhouse planting methods for lettuce

1. Choose the right variety

For lettuce grown in greenhouses, varieties that are cold-resistant, adaptable and disease-resistant should be selected to ensure high yield and stable growth of lettuce.

2. Land preparation

Lettuce has high requirements for the seedbed because its seeds are small and the land must be fine and leveled. After land preparation, evenly spread an appropriate amount of farmyard manure to lay a good foundation for the growth of lettuce.

3. Seed treatment and sowing

Seed treatment: You can choose to soak the seeds for germination or sow them directly. When soaking seeds for germination, wash the seeds with warm water, drain and place at room temperature of 20℃, wash and dry every day, and they will usually germinate in 3 days. Dry seeds need to be mixed with medicine before sowing to avoid leaving them overnight.

Sowing: After watering the seedbed, wait for the water to penetrate and then you can sow. Pay attention to controlling the planting density so as not to affect the growth of lettuce seedlings .

4. Water and fertilizer management

Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to keep the soil moist and avoid drought. Adjust the amount and frequency of watering according to the growth of lettuce, reduce it appropriately in spring, and adjust it according to precipitation in summer.

Fertilization: Sufficient base fertilizer has been applied at the time of sowing. If the lettuce grows well, no top dressing is needed. If the growth is slow and the leaves are light in color, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied in time to promote leaf growth, about once every half a month.

5. Intertillage and weeding

Intertillage and weeding after planting will help loosen the soil, promote root development, provide sufficient nutrients for the lettuce, and ensure its healthy growth.

The above is an introduction to the sowing time and key points of lettuce. In fact, lettuce can be planted all year round, as long as the environment is not too extreme. Many friends now use their own balconies to plant it.