Lettuce in Durham

Lactuca sativa

Lettuce
Lettuce · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Durham · last frost ≈ 10 May

Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

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.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    29 Mar to 12 Apr

    Sow seeds in modules or trays from 29th March - 12th April. Cover lightly with of compost and keep at for germination. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    19 Apr to 26 Apr

    Prick out seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 19th April - 26th April. Handle them by the leaves to avoid damaging the stems. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    3 May to 10 May

    Harden off plants over 7-10 days before transplanting, from 3rd May - 10th May. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    10 May to 24 May

    Transplant seedlings outdoors from 10th May - 24th May. Space them apart in well-drained soil. Water in well and protect from slugs with organic deterrents.

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    31 May to 16 Oct every 2 weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks from 31st May - 16th October. Consistent moisture prevents bolting and encourages firm heart formation.

  6. 06

    Harvest Whole Heads

    6 Jul to 16 Oct

    Harvest heads when they feel firm and full, from 6th July - 16th 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

Little Gem

A compact Cos variety with sweet, crisp hearts. Ideal for small spaces and containers, maturing quickly.

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.

Lettuce guides by town

See how Lettuce timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.