Lettuce
Lactuca sativa · Asteraceae
📷 DeFacto · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lettuce and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender and succulent
- Flowering
- Summer (pale yellow)
- Adult size
- 20 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast (30 to 60 days depending on variety)
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, sensitive to intense cold
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Near East
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, neutral pH
- Cycle
- Annual, grown annually or biennially
Expert tips
The key tip
La laitue exige un sol constamment humide mais bien drainé : un arrosage régulier tous les 2-3 jours est indispensable, surtout en croissance. L'erreur classique est de la laisser sécher entre deux arrosages, ce qui provoque un montage prématuré et des feuilles amères et coriaces.
The common mistake
Planter trop serré ou trop tard en saison : la plupart des jardiniers sèment trop dru et ne dédoublent pas les plants, créant une compétition qui ralentit la croissance et favorise les maladies du feuillage.
The pro's trick
Paillez le sol autour de la laitue avec 2-3 cm de compost ou de paille pour maintenir l'humidité constante, réduire l'arrosage et garder les feuilles du contact du sol humide (moins de limaces et de pourriture). Cela fait gagner 1-2 semaines de récolte en qualité.
Seasonal watch
En été, dès juin-juillet, la laitue monte en fleur rapidement si le sol s'assèche ou si les températures dépassent 25°C la nuit. Semez plutôt en fin d'été (juillet-août) pour une récolte d'automne fiable, ou choisissez des variétés résistantes à la montaison comme 'Salvius' ou 'Grenoble Red'.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil constantly moist without waterlogging to prevent crown rot. Water regularly, preferably in the morning at the base of the plants. During hot periods, increase frequency to prevent premature bolting. Lack of water also causes bitterness and less tender texture.
Light exposure
Lettuce prefers a sunny location with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, but tolerates partial shade, especially in summer. Afternoon shade limits excessive bolting and maintains more tender texture. Avoid overly shaded areas that slow growth.
Soil preparation
Enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost or potting soil before planting. Soil rich in organic matter promotes rapid growth and more tender leaves. Ensure good drainage to prevent root asphyxia. A slightly neutral pH (6.5 to 7) is ideal.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) moderately at planting time or light application during growth if the soil is not very rich. Excess nitrogen promotes lush foliage but may reduce flavor. A single application is generally sufficient for a short growing cycle.
Harvesting and cutting
Pick outer leaves as soon as they reach the desired size, which extends production. For complete harvest, cut the lettuce at soil level when the head is well formed. Perform this operation preferably in the morning to maximize freshness and crispy texture.
Diseases and pests
Watch for leaf rot in case of excessive moisture or poor air circulation. Slugs and snails are the main pests: install physical barriers or copper mulch. Good ventilation and controlled watering prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Lettuce has been cultivated since ancient Egypt, where it already featured in pharaohs' gardens over 4,500 years ago. Its scientific name Lactuca comes from the Latin 'lac' (milk), as the plant produces a white milky sap when its stems are broken — a characteristic that fascinated ancient botanists and earned it an association with soothing properties.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.