Little Gem
A compact Cos variety with sweet, crisp hearts. Ideal for small spaces and containers, maturing quickly.
When to plant Lettuce in Cardiff
Lactuca sativa
A fast-growing leafy green vegetable with crisp, tender leaves. Lettuce comes in many varieties including butterhead, romaine, leaf, and iceberg types. It's a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall, offering mild to slightly bitter flavors depending on the variety.
30 cm · Partial Shade · High Water
Calibrated to Cardiff · last frost ≈ 22 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Lettuce
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Grow hearting varieties like Iceberg or Cos for harvesting whole heads.
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
11 Mar to 25 MarSow seeds in modules or trays from 11th March - 25th March. Cover lightly with of compost and keep at for germination. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
1 Apr to 8 AprPrick out seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 1st April - 8th April. Handle them by the leaves to avoid damaging the stems. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.
03
Harden Off Plants
15 Apr to 22 AprHarden off plants over 7-10 days before transplanting, from 15th April - 22nd April. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night.
04
Transplant Outdoors
22 Apr to 6 MayTransplant seedlings outdoors from 22nd April - 6th May. Space them apart in well-drained soil. Water in well and protect from slugs with organic deterrents.
05
Water and Feed
13 May to 28 Oct every 2 weeksWater regularly to keep soil moist and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks from 13th May - 28th October. Consistent moisture prevents bolting and encourages firm heart formation.
06
Harvest Whole Heads
18 Jun to 28 OctHarvest heads when they feel firm and full, from 18th June - 28th October. Cut the entire head at the base with a sharp knife. Harvest in the morning for the crispest leaves.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Lettuce.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Lettuce to consider
Tom Thumb
A heritage butterhead lettuce dating back to the 1850s. Produces tennis-ball sized heads with soft, buttery leaves and sweet flavour. Perfect for small gardens, raised beds, and containers. Matures quickly in 6-7 weeks. Cold-hardy and excels in spring and autumn plantings.
Lollo Rosso
A loose-leaf lettuce with frilly, red-edged leaves. Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting and adds colour to salads.
Iceberg
A crisphead lettuce forming tight, crunchy heads. Requires a longer growing season but stores well after harvesting.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest June to September. Frost risk October to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest September to February. Frost risk October to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to April.
Lettuce guides by town
See how Lettuce timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.