Little Gem
A compact Cos variety with sweet, crisp hearts. Ideal for small spaces and containers, maturing quickly.
When to plant Lettuce in York
Lactuca sativa
Loose-leaf and hearting lettuce for the UK garden. Sow little and often for salad leaves, or start heading types indoors and plant them out. Give light shade in midsummer, and keep the soil evenly moist so plants do not bolt.
30 cm · Partial Shade · High Water
Calibrated to York · average last frost around 26 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
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
15 Mar to 9 Jul Optional · repeat every 2 weeksSow in modules from 15th March - 9th July. Cover with a thin layer of compost so some light can reach the seed. Keep them bright so they do not go leggy. Repeat every 14 days.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
29 Mar to 30 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stagePrick seedlings into individual pots when they have two true leaves, around 29th March - 30th July. Hold them by the leaves, not the stem. Grow them on in a cool, bright spot.
03
Harden Off Plants
12 Apr to 13 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageHarden plants off for 7 to 10 days from 12th April - 13th August. Put them outside by day and bring them in at night until they are used to outdoor weather.
04
Transplant Outdoors
26 Apr to 20 AugPlant out from 26th April - 20th August. Space plants apart, water in well, and protect from slugs.
05
Water and Feed
10 May to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksKeep the soil evenly moist from 10th May through 29th October. In the ground, plants usually need no feed. In pots, use a balanced liquid feed every 14 days.
06
Harvest Whole Heads
15 Jun to 29 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageCut whole heads once they feel firm, from 15th June. Do not delay once they are ready. Cut at the base in the morning. You can keep harvesting through 15th June - 29th October.
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 May, harvest June to September. Typical frost risk October to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest September to February. Typical frost risk October to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Typical frost risk October to April.
Lettuce guides by town
See how Lettuce timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.