Sow seeds in the ground 2 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date or as soon as the ground can be worked. Or, to get a head start, start seeds indoors about 1 month before your last spring frost date. Harden off seedlings for 3 days to a week before setting outdoors.
How cold can lettuce seedlings tolerate?
The largest of these lettuce seedlings are developing their first true leaves. How to Grow: Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that thrives in the temperature range 60-65 degrees F, and if thoroughly hardened, most varieties survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees F.
When can I put lettuce seedlings outside?
You should transplant lettuce outside after it has grown undercover for 4-6 weeks, and reached the height of 2-3 inches. The earliest time to do this is 3-4 weeks before the last frost, but you can transplant lettuce any time after that. Allow for 7-10 days of hardening off before moving outside.
Do I need to cover lettuce seedlings?
Growing lettuce from seed in late summer may require generous artificial shade to help cool the soil for germination. Once days become cooler, the shade can be removed to give plenty of sunlight to young lettuce plants. Lettuce grows best in loose, cool soil with good drainage.
At what temperature do I need to cover my lettuce?
Lettuce may cope with light freezing and even one or two hard freezes, but once the thermometer reads 25°F or below, the plants are in danger. That level of cold causes ice to form in the plant tissue, regardless of the amount of moisture in the air.
Are lettuce seedlings frost hardy?
Lettuce seedlings will generally tolerate a light frost and, unlike most vegetables, continue to grow through the fall when the possibility is a probability in some regions. That said, cold, clear nights may create frost damage in lettuce, especially if the duration of the cold snap is lengthy.
Can I plant lettuce outside now?
For summer/autumn cropping: sow outdoors from late March to late July. For an even earlier crop, sow indoors in early February in seed trays and plant out in early March under cloches or plastic tunnels.
When can you move romaine lettuce outside?
Romaine seedlings can withstand frost and can be transplanted into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Fall crops can be directly seeded into the garden during late summer. Mature lettuce is not frost-tolerant.
Can you plant leggy lettuce seedlings deeper?
Generally, yes, you can plant leggy seedlings deeper in the soil to help compensate for the extra-long stems! However, avoid the temptation to plant them deeper right away, when they’re still very young and tender. Weak, thin, small stems may rot once they’re buried in damp soil.
Why are my lettuce seedlings falling over?
Causes of Lettuce Damping Off
Too much moisture is the most common cause of damping off, as it makes seedlings much more susceptible to stem and root infections. Damping off is usually a sign that you are overwatering or that the humidity is too high. The youngest seedlings are the most vulnerable to damping off.
Should I separate lettuce seedlings?
You should only have to thin your seedlings once, but if you have a lot of extra plants growing you can split it into two occasions. For example, if your plants need to be 12 inches apart, the first time you can thin every 6 inches. Then a week later you can thin them out again to all be 12 inches apart.
How do you take care of lettuce seedlings?
Moist, but not wet, soil with good drainage is key. When your lettuce is thirsty it will wilt in the sun. Give its roots a drink right away along with a splash of cool water on the leaves to keep them happy on hot days. Use row covers to shade the leaves, and mulch to keep roots cool as the season progresses.
How often should lettuce be watered?
Lettuce has shallow roots, so plants need consistent watering. Check at least twice a week and water if the soil is dry down to 1 inch deep. Containers of lettuce need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, especially in the summer.
How long does it take lettuce to grow from seed?
Most lettuce varieties mature in 45 to 55 days, allowing many gardeners to plant two or even three crops. But looseleaf and butterhead leaves can be harvested at just about any time in their development. Heading varieties take longer to mature. Romaine takes 75 to 85 days and crisphead 70 to 100 days.
How do I protect my lettuce seedlings from frost?
HOW TO PROTECT PLANTS FROM FROST
- Lay a pane of glass, held up by small pots, over low-growing plants.
- Relocate outdoor potted plants somewhere warmer, such as on a verandah or under the house.
- Save old net curtains, bed sheets and shadecloth for emergency overnight protection.
Should I cover my lettuce?
Unless you are facing deep frosts, you don’t even need to protect lettuce in cold weather. However, if your temperatures are consistently just above freezing, you can use a row cover or clear garden plastic sheeting to raise the ambient temperature and increase their growth rate.
Does lettuce need full sun?
How much sun does lettuce need to grow? Most lettuce varieties enjoy full sunlight. For the best turnout, make sure you plant your lettuce in an area that receives approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Some varieties can also be grown in partial shade, receiving 4 to 6 hours a day.
Will romaine lettuce survive frost?
All types of lettuce, including romaine (also called cos) are cold-weather vegetables that can withstand brief frosts and even freezes, although they may experience some outer leaf damage.
Will frost damage lettuce?
Lettuce is mostly tolerant of temperatures near freezing for a short period of time, though plants will grow more slowly. Freeze damaged leaves that are not removed from heads may break down, decay, and cause post harvest issues.
How big should seedlings be before transplanting?
about 2-3 inches high
Before you Transplant. As noted above, make sure that your seedling is about 2-3 inches high before transplanting. We also recommend transplanting a seedling after its two “true leaves” first come out. True leaves are the leaves that grow after the initial seed’s cotyledon leaves come out.
How many lettuce seeds do you plant in one hole?
2-3
Indoors, plant one per hole for fresh seeds, or 2-3 per hole if they’re old. Plant the seeds – Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the garden soil or indoor trays, or plant them no more than 1/4″ deep. Water the soil – Use the lowest setting on your garden hose outdoors, or water the indoor trays from the bottom.