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Vegetable
Lettuce

Lettuces 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.

Height30cm
SunlightPartial Shade
WaterHigh Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Lettuce

Planting Calendar

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Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Start lettuce seeds indoors for an earlier harvest. This method works well for getting a head start in late winter or for growing lettuce in modules for transplanting.

1
Sow Seeds Indoors

31 Jan - 14 Feb

Fill seed trays or modules with seed compost. Sow 2-3 seeds per module about deep. Water gently and keep at for germination. Seeds should sprout in 7-10 days.

2
Thin to One Seedling

14 Feb - 21 Feb

Once seedlings emerge and the first true leaves appear, thin to the strongest one per module by snipping off extras at soil level. Keep in good light to prevent legginess.

3
Harden Off

28 Feb - 14 Mar

Two weeks before transplanting, start hardening off seedlings in Cardiff. Place outside during the day and bring in at night for 7-10 days. This acclimates plants to outdoor conditions.

4
Transplant Outdoors

8 Mar - 4 Apr

Plant out when seedlings have 4-5 true leaves, spacing apart for leaf types or for head lettuce. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible. Water well after planting.

5
Water and Mulch

21 Mar - 20 May

Keep soil consistently moist after transplanting. Apply a thin layer of compost or mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water in the morning to reduce disease risk.

6
Monitor for Pests

28 Mar - 20 May

Check regularly for slugs, snails, and aphids, especially during March. Use organic controls like beer traps for slugs or a strong spray of water for aphids. Row covers protect from birds and rabbits.

7
Harvest Leaves

31 Mar - 25 Apr

Begin harvesting outer leaves from March onwards. Pick regularly to encourage more growth. Leaves taste best when young and tender.

8
Harvest Whole Heads

10 May - 30 May

Cut entire heads at the base when firm and before they bolt. Harvest in cool morning hours for the crispest leaves.

Companion Plants

Plants that grow well (or poorly) with Lettuce

Good Companions

Garlic

Garlic

Garlic offers natural pest protection for lettuce throughout the growing season by repelling aphids that commonly attack lettuce.

Why Companion Planting Matters

Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Lettuce to consider

Little Gem

A compact cos variety perfect for small gardens and containers. Forms crisp, sweet heads in 7-8 weeks. This Victorian favourite thrives in cooler UK weather and resists bolting. The crunchy hearts work beautifully in salads or grilled whole.

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.

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