One of the most widely used varieties of lettuce is romaine. It is a versatile vegetable with a crisp flavor that is neither overly bitter nor overly sweet. It is also packed with nutrients. If you’ve been thinking about putting romaine in your garden, you may have been wondering how easy it is to grow and harvest.
Anyone who has ever grown romaine lettuce knows that it is one of the easiest plants to grow. We will talk about some ways to grow romaine lettuce in this blog post so that you can have a big harvest. We will also touch on some of the benefits of eating romaine lettuce. So if you are looking for a way to add more leafy greens to your diet, read on!.
Romaine lettuce, also known as cos lettuce, is a crunchy, sweet, and delicious leafy green that is popular in salads and sandwiches. With its long, upright leaves and sturdy midribs, romaine stands out from other lettuce varieties that form loose or round heads.
If you’ve never grown romaine lettuce before, you may be wondering – how long does it take to grow romaine lettuce from seed to harvest? In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from optimal planting times to how long romaine takes to mature and how to get the biggest harvest
An Overview of Romaine Lettuce
Before we dive into timing, let’s go over some key facts about romaine lettuce:
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Botanical name Lactuca sativa var longifolia
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Plant type: Annual vegetable
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Mature size: 12-20 inches tall
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Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Loose, nutrient-rich, well-drained
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Hardiness zones: 2-11
Romaine is known for its upright growth habit, with new leaves forming around a central stalk. The leaves are elongated and cup-shaped, ranging in color from deep green to red depending on variety. It’s more heat and cold tolerant than other lettuces.
When to Plant Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce thrives in cool weather, ideally around 60-70°F. In warm climates, focus on planting romaine in late summer/early fall and late winter/early spring. Avoid the hottest summer months.
In cooler regions, romaine can be grown through summer provided it gets ample water and you choose bolt-resistant varieties. For a continuous harvest, sow small batches every 2-3 weeks rather than all at once.
Spring Planting
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
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Direct sow seeds outdoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date.
Fall Planting
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Sow seeds 8-10 weeks before your first fall frost date for a fall harvest.
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In mild winter climates, plant in late fall/early winter for an overwintered crop.
How Long Does Romaine Lettuce Take to Mature?
From seed to harvest, romaine lettuce typically takes 60-80 days to reach full maturity. But you can begin harvesting individual leaves much sooner than that, as soon as 30-45 days after sowing.
Here’s a more detailed timeline of what to expect:
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Seeds germinate in 2-7 days when soil temperatures are 45-75°F.
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Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
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Harvest baby greens 3-4 weeks after sowing. Pick individual outer leaves but allow the plant to keep growing.
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Begin head formation around 6 weeks. Romaine starts forming a loose head as the plant matures.
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Harvest entire heads 60-80 days after sowing. Cut the whole head 1-2 inches above the base once fully sized.
Harvesting Romaine Lettuce
There are a couple techniques for harvesting romaine:
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Cut and come again: Remove mature outer leaves individually, leaving the center intact so the plant keeps producing new leaves.
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Cut whole heads: Slice off the entire head about 2 inches above the base once it reaches full size. This is best saved for the final fall harvest.
For the highest yields over an extended season, use the cut and come again method. Only harvest what you need each time and let the plant regrow leaves before cutting more. Harvest in the cool of the morning when leaves are crispest.
Tips for Maximizing Your Romaine Lettuce Harvest
Follow these tips to get the biggest and fastest harvest from your romaine lettuce:
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Choose fast-maturing varieties like Little Gem that mature quickly, in as little as 50 days.
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Start seeds indoors for a head start on the growing season.
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Use row covers to protect from cold temperatures if growing into winter.
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Provide ample water – at least 1 inch per week. Proper water is key.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to fuel growth.
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Cut outer leaves frequently to promote new growth. Don’t wait until heads are massive.
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Pull spent plants after final harvest and replant for continuous yields.
Growing Romaine Lettuce in Pots
Romaine lettuce also grows well in containers. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Allow 1-2 gallons of potting mix per plant. Place transplants or sow seeds 6-8 inches apart. Grow on a sunny patio or balcony. Provide frequent watering and fertilizer. Harvest leaves as needed once they size up.
How Long Does Romaine Lettuce Last After Harvesting?
Freshly cut romaine will last 7-10 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Leave the leaves attached at the base and store them upright in a glass of water, loosely wrapped in plastic. Or place dry leaves in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture. The leaves will slowly lose their crunchy texture but can still be eaten.
For long-term storage, blanch leaves in boiling water for 15-30 seconds then shock in ice water. Dry thoroughly and freeze leaves in airtight bags for up to 8 months. Thaw before using.
Troubleshooting Common Romaine Lettuce Problems
Here are some potential issues and how to address them:
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Bolting – Plants prematurely shoot up flower stalks. This happens when temperatures get too hot. Plant bolt-resistant varieties and time plantings for optimal seasons.
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Tipburn – Brown crispy edges on leaves caused by inconsistent water. Keep soil consistently moist. Provide mulch and shade in hot weather.
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Pests – Use floating row covers to keep pests off plants. Hand pick any bugs found. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
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Diseases – Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy any infected plants. Disinfect tools between uses.
Growing crunchy, sweet romaine lettuce at home is very rewarding. Time your plantings for cool weather and allow 60-80 days for full size heads to develop. But you can start harvesting individual leaves as soon as 3-4 weeks after sowing seeds. Use the cut and come again method for an ongoing harvest over weeks or months. With proper care, any gardener can enjoy fresh romaine lettuce straight from their backyard.
How To Plant & Grow Romaine Lettuce
If you want to add something tasty and healthy to your salad or sandwich, romaine lettuce is the way to go. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh romaine lettuce all season long. Here are some tips for planting and growing romaine lettuce in your home garden.
Romaine lettuce can be planted in both spring and fall. In spring, sow seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Then, transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. For a fall crop, sow seeds directly in the garden about 2-3 months before the first frost date.
Romaine lettuce prefers full sun, but it will also tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be loose and well-drained. If necessary, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Sow romaine lettuce seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart when they are 4-6 inches tall. When transplanting seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were growing in their pots. Water the plants deeply after planting or thinning.
Romaine lettuce requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not soggy – too much water can cause the leaves to rot. Putting mulch around plants will help them keep their water and keep weeds from competing with the lettuce for nutrients and water.
Optimal Growing Conditions For Romaine Lettuce
Romanesco lettuce can be grown indoors, but it needs a certain amount of light and warmth to do well. Romaine lettuce is a cool weather crop that thrives in temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. In terms of light, romaine lettuce needs at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you are growing romaine lettuce indoors, you will need to provide artificial light for the plants.
Soil is an important aspect of growing healthy plants, and this is especially true for romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in order to thrive. Also, the soil should be loose and sandy. Soil that is too packed down can make the leaves turn yellow and wilt.
Romaine lettuce is a relatively low maintenance plant, but it does require consistent watering. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. So that the roots don’t rot, it’s best to water the lettuce from the bottom up. Its important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Excess moisture can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilizing your romaine lettuce plants will help them to produce more nutritious leaves. A fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts is the best way to feed romaine lettuce. Apply the fertilizer while the plants are actively growing, and make sure to follow the directions on how much to use and how often.
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Your Own Romaine Lettuce
FAQ
How many times can you harvest romaine lettuce?
Is romaine lettuce hard to grow?
Does romaine lettuce regrow after cutting?
How long does romaine lettuce take to grow?
Pay attention to the proper spacing and care and your plants should thrive with minimal maintenance. How long does it take to grow Romaine lettuce? It takes anywhere from 60 to 80 days for Romaine lettuce to reach the point of maturity where it’s ready to harvest.
Can you grow romaine lettuce from seed?
You can also start your own romaine lettuce seeds indoors, which will allow you to select from a wide range of romaine varieties and get a head start on the growing season. To grow romaine lettuce from seed indoors: Plant romaine seeds 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
When should I Harvest romaine lettuce?
I’ll be harvesting them in May or early June, before the weather warms. When growing romaine lettuce seeds indoors, have your grow lights on for 14-16 hours per day and keep them just a few inches above the tops of the plants. Keep the seedlings regularly watered and fertilize every two weeks with a seedling-specific fertilizer.
When can I start romaine lettuce seeds?
Romaine lettuce seeds can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring or anytime during the year for indoor gardening. This allows the seedlings to establish before transplanting them into the garden or containers. Use seed trays or cell packs to start romaine lettuce seeds.