Lettuces in London
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.
Grow hearting varieties like Iceberg or Cos for harvesting whole heads.
1 Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds in modules or trays from 16th February - 2nd March. Cover lightly with of compost and keep at for germination. Provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings.
2 Prick Out Seedlings
Prick out seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 9th March - 16th March. Handle them by the leaves to avoid damaging the stems. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.
3 Harden Off Plants
Harden off plants over 7-10 days before transplanting, from 23rd March - 30th March. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night.
4 Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors from 30th March - 13th April. Space them apart in well-drained soil. Water in well and protect from slugs with organic deterrents.
5 Water and Feed
Water regularly to keep soil moist and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks from 5th November - 20th April. Consistent moisture prevents bolting and encourages firm heart formation.
6 Harvest Whole Heads
Harvest heads when they feel firm and full, from 5th November - 26th May. Cut the entire head at the base with a sharp knife. Harvest in the morning for the crispest leaves.
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.
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Brussels Sprouts
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Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.