Little Gem
A compact Cos variety with sweet, crisp hearts. Ideal for small spaces and containers, maturing quickly.
Lettuce in Liverpool
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 Liverpool · last frost ≈ 16 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 | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 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
5 Mar to 19 MarSow seeds in modules or trays from 5th March - 19th March. Cover lightly with of compost and keep at for germination. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
26 Mar to 2 AprPrick out seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 26th March - 2nd April. Handle them by the leaves to avoid damaging the stems. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.
03
Harden Off Plants
9 Apr to 16 AprHarden off plants over 7-10 days before transplanting, from 9th April - 16th April. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night.
04
Transplant Outdoors
16 Apr to 30 AprTransplant seedlings outdoors from 16th April - 30th April. Space them apart in well-drained soil. Water in well and protect from slugs with organic deterrents.
05
Water and Feed
7 May to 12 Nov every 2 weeksWater regularly to keep soil moist and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks from 7th May - 12th November. Consistent moisture prevents bolting and encourages firm heart formation.
06
Harvest Whole Heads
12 Jun to 12 NovHarvest heads when they feel firm and full, from 12th June - 12th November. 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 April to May, harvest June to September. Frost risk November to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out April to May, harvest July to September. Frost risk November to April.
Lettuce guides by town
See how Lettuce timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.