Lettuces in Dundee
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Lettuce
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
The easiest method for growing lettuce. Sow seeds directly in the ground for a continuous harvest through spring and autumn.
1 Prepare Soil
Choose a spot that gets full sun in spring or partial shade in summer. Work compost into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Lettuce prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
2 Sow Seeds Outdoors
Sow seeds thinly in rows or broadcast across beds, covering with of soil. Space rows apart. Water gently to settle the soil. Seeds germinate best at .
3 Thin Seedlings
When seedlings reach tall, thin them to apart for leaf lettuce or apart for head lettuce. Use the thinnings in salads.
4 Water Regularly
Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing period. Water in the morning to reduce disease risk. Lettuce needs about of water per week. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter leaves.
5 Succession Sow
Sow new seeds every 2 weeks from April through early summer for a continuous harvest. Stop sowing in hot weather and resume in late summer for autumn crops.
6 Harvest Leaf Lettuce
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants are tall. Cut leaves about above the base to encourage regrowth. Harvest in the morning for best flavour.
7 Harvest Head Lettuce
Cut whole heads at the base when firm and full-sized. Harvest before hot weather causes bolting. Best picked in early morning when leaves are crisp.
Companion Plants
Plants that grow well (or poorly) with Lettuce
Good Companions
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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Calabrese
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Chilli Pepper
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