Crisphead Lettuce Seeds

Crisphead lettuce seeds for crunchy heads suited to salads and fresh use. Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows well in a home garden or wide pots with well-drained soil and regular watering.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Lactuca sativa.
• Weight: 0.5 g.
• Growing season: Cool season.
• Light: Moderate sun to full sun in cool weather.
• Transplanting needed? Starting seedlings for transplanting is preferred for more uniform heads, but direct sowing is possible.

How to Grow

1. For transplanting: Sow in a tray with fine growing medium, gently pressing the seeds in or covering them with a very thin layer. Do not sow too deeply.
2. Maintain moderate moisture and good ventilation until seedlings emerge.
3. After 3–4 true leaves form, gently transplant into the final position while protecting the roots.
4. Leave about 30–35 cm between plants so the heads have room to develop.
5. For direct sowing: Sow thinly, then thin the seedlings later, leaving the strongest plant at the required spacing.

Care and Harvest

Crisphead lettuce needs regular watering to keep soil moist without saturation. Avoid continually wetting the centre of the plant, provide good airflow and remove weeds. Cool weather is preferred, as high temperatures may accelerate bolting and reduce head quality. Harvest when the head is firm and a suitable size, before the flowering stem begins to elongate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transplanting necessary?

No, but it is the best option for similarly sized heads and an orderly layout in a bed or garden.

Why is a good lettuce head not forming?

This is often linked to high temperatures, overcrowding or irregular watering. Lettuce therefore grows best in the cool season with adequate spacing.