Lettuce is one of the easiest crops you can grow in your garden. That holds true whether you love full lettuce heads or baby lettuce leaves. Even if you garden in containers, you can have a bumper crop of leafy greens. If you follow these tips on how to grow lettuce, you’ll soon be able to eat salads that you grew yourself.
When spring arrives, lettuce is one of the earliest crops you can plant outdoors. As soon as your soil is ready to be worked, lettuce seeds are good to go. Lettuce comes in many varieties, from head-forming butterheads to leaf lettuces that never form heads. There are even pre-mixed seed packets that come in a range of colors and textures, from soft and smooth to crisp and heavily ruffled. Lettuce seeds can germinate with soil temperatures of just 40 degrees Fahrenheit — not far above freezing. But lettuce plants grow best when air temperatures reach 60°F to 65°F. 1. Lettuce grows best in cool spring weather, just like cabbage and other cool-loving vegetables. Then it’s time to do it all over again in the fall. There are even types of lettuce that can handle more heat, but most of them get tough, dry, and bitter in the summer. Head-forming lettuces like romaine and butterhead take longer to grow and harvest than leafy lettuces. Spring is a race for heads to mature before temperatures rise too high. Many gardeners start their head lettuce seeds indoors to extend their growing season. Some garden centers offer small seedlings called transplants that accomplish the same goal. In contrast to head-forming lettuces, leafy types are much easier: Seed them straight into spring garden soil.
Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that can be grown in spring and fall in most regions. Many gardeners start lettuce from seed indoors or in a greenhouse to get a head start on the growing season. But knowing the optimal time to transplant lettuce seedlings is key to maximizing growth and ensuring a successful harvest.
In this complete guide we will cover everything you need to know about transplanting lettuce seedlings confidently including
- Ideal size and age for transplanting
- Necessary steps for hardening off
- Assessing weather and seasonal conditions
- Preparing beds and soil
- How to transplant step-by-step
- Caring for transplants
- Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s explore when and how to safely move those young lettuce sprouts from indoor spaces to the great outdoors!
When Are Lettuce Seedlings Ready for Transplantation?
Determining when lettuce seedlings are mature enough for transplanting is an important factor for success. Generally, lettuce seedlings should have:
-
2-4 true leaves – The first leaves that emerge are rounded and smooth. Once seedlings develop their second set of leaves that resemble mature lettuce leaves, they are showing their first true leaves. 4 true leaves is optimal.
-
3-4 inches in height – Seedlings are mature enough for transplanting when they reach about 3-4 inches tall. This usually occurs 3-4 weeks after germination.
-
An established root system – Check that roots fill the cell or container and seem vigorous. Avoid root-bound plants.
Meeting these criteria indicates your lettuce seedlings are ready for their big move! Transplanting earlier could shock plants, while later may result in stunted growth.
The Hardening Off Process
An important step before transplanting lettuce seedlings is hardening them off. This means gradually exposing seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Here’s a schedule to follow:
-
Days 1-2: Place seedlings outdoors in a shady spot for 1-2 hours.
-
Days 3-4: Increase outdoor time to 2-4 hours in partial sun.
-
Days 5-6: Leave seedlings outside for half a day, bringing in overnight.
-
Days 7-10: Leave outdoors all day and night, monitoring for signs of stress.
Hardening off toughens up the seedlings, preventing shock in their new environment. Don’t skip this step for best transplant success!
Optimal Transplanting Conditions
Aim to transplant lettuce seedlings when daytime temperatures are 45-75°F and nighttime lows are above 40°F. Consistent moisture is also important – periods of drought stress newly transplanted seedlings.
In terms of season, transplant lettuce 1-2 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. This gives them a head start while avoiding damage from cold. For fall lettuce, transplant 6-8 weeks before your first expected autumn frost.
Ideally, choose a calm, cloudy day or late afternoon for transplanting. This prevents seedlings from wilting in hot sun. Avoid transplanting during heavy rain which can wash away soils around delicate roots.
Preparing Garden Beds
About 1-2 weeks before transplanting lettuce seedlings, prepare your garden beds. Loosen soil and mix in 1-2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This provides nutrients for growth and improves drainage.
Just before transplanting, water beds thoroughly to pre-moisten soils. Dig holes slightly wider and deeper than each seedling’s root ball. Space according to lettuce variety – looseleaf types 6-10 inches apart and romaine/head varieties 10-12 inches.
How to Transplant Lettuce Step-By-Step
Follow these steps for smooth lettuce seedling transplantation:
-
Water seedlings well 1-2 hours before transplanting.
-
Gently remove each seedling from its cell or container, handling stems not leaves.
-
Tease apart any encircling roots with fingers or a fork, being careful not to damage.
-
Place each seedling into its pre-dug planting hole. The top leaves should sit just above soil level.
-
Firm soil gently around seedlings and water thoroughly after planting.
-
Consider using row cover on transplants for 1-2 weeks to retain moisture and prevent insect damage.
-
Provide shade if transplanting in hot, sunny conditions.
Follow these steps carefully to prevent trauma to roots and minimize wilting of leaves during the transition.
Caring for Transplanted Lettuce Seedlings
Once your lettuce seedlings are settled into their new outdoor home, they need proper care to flourish. Here are some tips:
-
Water seedlings regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first weeks after transplanting.
-
Feed with a balanced fertilizer like fish emulsion or compost tea every 2-3 weeks.
-
Monitor for pests like slugs, snails, or aphids and address any issues immediately.
-
Provide shade on extremely hot days or use row covers if temperatures exceed 80°F.
-
Weed carefully around seedlings, not disturbing their shallow roots.
-
Side dress with compost or fertilizer again 4-6 weeks after transplanting to fuel growth.
With attentive care, your transplanted lettuce will establish quickly and start growing rapidly!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some key mistakes that can jeopardize your lettuce seedling transplants:
-
Transplanting too early when plants are still small and vulnerable.
-
Allowing seedlings to become root bound before transplanting.
-
Skipping the hardening off process or doing so too rapidly.
-
Transplanting on an extremely hot, sunny, or windy day.
-
Damaging roots or stems when removing seedlings from containers.
-
Planting too deeply or poorly firming soil around roots after transplant.
-
Letting transplants dry out or overwatering after transplant.
Avoiding these missteps will lead to your highest transplant success and lettuce survival rates. Pay close attention to timing, technique, and aftercare.
Transplanting lettuce seedlings at the right time is fundamental for healthy plants and optimal yields. Aim for seedlings 3-4 inches tall with 2-4 true leaves. Harden off gradually first, then transplant on a calm, cloudy day into prepped garden beds. Care for new transplants by watering consistently, fertilizing, and monitoring pests. Avoid common errors like transplanting too early or roughly handling seedlings. Follow these tips and you’ll be harvesting homegrown lettuce in no time!
HOW TO PLANT AND TRANSPLANT LETTUCE
Lettuce is one of the few vegetables that tolerates a bit of shade. A planting site with full sun and late-afternoon shade is ideal — especially as summer nears. Well-drained soil with rich organic matter provides the perfect foundation for all lettuce types. Before you plant, mix organic compost and a balanced fertilizer such as Pennington Rejuvenate Plant Food All-Purpose 4-4-4 into your soil. Lettuce grows best when soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0, the range where most plants thrive.
Lettuce transplants are garden-ready when theyre three to four weeks old. Gradually acclimate transplants to the outdoors before you plant. Plant lettuce heads like romaine, iceberg, and butterhead 10 to 12 inches apart, 15 to 18 inches apart in rows. If youre planting in pots or in mixed gardens, allow similar space. For leaf lettuces, sow seed into garden soil. Plant four to six lettuce seeds per inch, in rows at least 2 inches apart. Many gardeners plant swaths of lettuces a foot wide — just keep widths manageable for harvesting. Lightly cover lettuce seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and press gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Depending on the variety, most lettuces mature between 30 and 60 days after planting. Your seed packet will specify whats normal for the lettuces you choose. Plant fall lettuce four to eight weeks before your areas first expected fall frost. For near-continuous spring and fall lettuce crops, plant seeds in succession plantings every two to three weeks.
Head-forming lettuces take longer for harvest than loose-leaf types.
How to Transplant Lettuce Seedlings for HUGE Results
FAQ
When can I put lettuce seedlings outside?
Does lettuce like being transplanted?
Can you replant thinned lettuce seedlings?
How do you transplant lettuce seedlings?
The earliest you can transplant your seedlings is two weeks before the last spring frost date. Dig holes in rows 16 inches (40.6 cm) apart, just deep enough to plant the root balls underground. Lift the lettuce seedlings from the seed tray and place them into the holes.
How long does it take to transplant a lettuce seed?
Using a soft-flow water breaker on a water wand will reduce the impact of water on the seedlings. Seedlings grown in 1-inch cube media are ready to transplant when they have 2 to 3 true leaves and are approximately 2 weeks old (figure 3). Figure 1. Lettuce grown in net pot Figure 2. Foam and Rockwool cube media and net pots Figure 3.
When should lettuce be transplanted outside?
You should transplant lettuce outside after it has grown undercover for 4-6 weeks, and reached the height of 2-3 inches. The earliest time to do this is 3-4 weeks before the last frost, but you can transplant lettuce any time after that. Allow for 7-10 days of hardening off before moving outside. Why transplant lettuce seedlings?