Days to Maturity: Approximately 40-50 days from direct sowing to full harvest (can be picked earlier as baby leaves in 21-30 days).
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours of direct sun ideal); in Utah's hot summers, afternoon shade helps prevent bolting and bitterness.
Season Type: Cool-season crop; thrives in spring and fall—plant early (as soon as soil can be worked, around 40°F+) or late summer for fall crops; tolerates light frosts but bolts quickly in heat above 80°F.
Plant Habit & Support: Loose, upright rosettes with no support needed; space plants 6-12 inches apart for full heads or closer (4-6 inches) for cut-and-come-again baby greens harvesting.
Other Notes: Very heat- and drought-tolerant for a lettuce, slow-bolting, and widely adapted; watch for slugs, aphids, or tip burn (from inconsistent moisture or calcium issues)—good airflow and mulch reduce problems; prolific and great for succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply.
Best Planting Method: Direct sow seeds ¼-½ inch deep in rows or broadcast for baby greens; thin seedlings to desired spacing once they emerge. For earlier harvests in Utah's short cool seasons, set out transplants when soil is workable—space 8-12 inches apart in beds or rows. Amend soil with compost for fertility and excellent drainage; raised beds are helpful in heavier or alkaline Utah soils to prevent waterlogging. Organic mulch (like straw or compost) around plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy (about 1-2 inches per week)—even moisture is crucial to prevent bitterness, bolting, or tip burn; drip irrigation or careful overhead watering (early in the day) works well in dry Utah conditions. Mulch heavily to moderate soil temperature and hold moisture; containers dry out faster, so check daily.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or balanced organic fertilizer at planting for nutrient-rich soil. Lettuce is a light feeder—side-dress lightly with nitrogen-rich option (like compost tea or fish emulsion) midway if growth is slow, but avoid excess to prevent soft, disease-prone leaves. Harvest outer leaves as needed for cut-and-come-again (encourages regrowth) or cut the whole plant at the base when mature; regular picking keeps quality high and extends production before bolting.