When to plant Lettuce in the UK

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
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest June to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Lettuce

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    late March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    late April to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    early May to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Transplant seedlings outdoors from early May to mid-May. Space them apart in well-drained soil. Water in well and protect from slugs with organic deterrents.

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    late May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates every 2 weeks

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

  6. 06

    Harvest Whole Heads

    late June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Harvest heads when they feel firm and full, from late June to late 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.