Lettuce grows best in cool weather and sunny locations. Spring, mid-summer, and early fall are the times of year to plant lettuce, but you can grow lettuce in the summer even in warm regions if you choose heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant varieties.
There are lettuce cultivars that are ready for picking in 45 days and others that take twice as long. Lettuces fall on a continuum from leaf lettuces that do not form heads to loose-heading butterheads to tight-headed crispheads.
Lettuce Plant History
Lettuce, one of the oldest food plants known to man, is believed to have originated in India and Central Asia. Herodotus wrote of lettuce being served in ancient Greece, and it was a favorite vegetable in ancient Rome. In fact, the word “lettuce” is derived from the Latin root word “lac” meaning “milk,” referring to the milky juice found in mature lettuce stems.
Columbus and other European explorers brought lettuce seeds to the New World. Our early colonists included lettuce in the first gardens planted in American soil. Today, lettuce is a favorite vegetable here and around the world.
Tips for Growing Lettuce Indoors
1. Choose a Plastic Pot that’s Medium Sized
A medium-sized pot should be enough room for the lettuce to grow well.
If you decide for a clay pot consider lining the pot with a plastic bag before planting the seeds. Also, make some holes in the plastic bag to allow water to drain.
It is important for the container to have drainage holes. The holes will allow for any excess water to escape.
2. Clean the Container Properly
Make sure you thoroughly clean your container before planting. This especially goes for recycled containers that were previously used to grow different plants. Insect eggs and bacteria might still be living somewhere in the container, so it is necessary to make sure your container is very clean.
3. Choose a Standard Potting Soil
Standard potting soil works great for lettuce. Just make sure to avoid using dirt coming from your garden. This may have bacteria, insects and diseases that could potentially harm your crop.
4. Scatter a Dozen Lettuce Seeds When Planting
Sprinkle about a dozen or two lettuce seeds all over the container with soil. Avoid dropping so many seeds in one area. Then, pinch each of the seeds with your finger. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get all the seeds, a few would be enough to grow the lettuce. Pour some more soil over the seeds. Cover the seeds with only about ¼ inch of the potting soil.
5. Use Spray Bottle to Spritz Water to the Seeds
Spray water to your seeds by using a spray bottle, but be careful not to overdo it. Mist the seeds every morning as well. When growing lettuce indoors, the soil must remain moist continuously in order for it to germinate.
6. Water the Plant Every Other Day
Frequent watering is important when growing lettuce. If you are unsure whether your soil needs water or no, check the soil very frequently. Stick your fingertip at the top of the soil. If it’s dry, then the plant needs watering.
7. Keep the Lettuce Plant Cool
Keep the lettuce plant cool at all times. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 70 degree Fahrenheit. You should lower the temperature at night by around 10 degrees.
8. Place the Plant Near the Window
As I mentioned above, light is necessary when growing lettuce in containers. Seedlings must be placed near the sunniest window in your house. They require up to 16 hours of sunlight in order to give you the bushiest and most delicious lettuce.
9. Invest in a Fluorescent Light for Growing Plants
If you cannot provide enough natural light to your lettuce, make sure you invest in a fluorescent light for your plant. Let the seedlings to stay there for up to 14 hours. Once this time has passed, make sure to turn off the light.
10. Use Mild Fertilizers
If necessary, use mild fertilizer. Lettuce won’t mind it. Mix the fertilizer with equal parts of water in order to cut down its strength to half. Apply it directly to the seedlings at least once a week and then eventually decrease its use.
11. Harvest Loose Leaf Lettuce All At Once
Once the lettuce leaf reaches the size to your own liking, start harvesting the leaves. Harvest the loose lettuce leaf at once. Leave out the inner leaves so they will be able to develop more.