Garden Babies Merlot Baby Oakleaf Salad Bowl Lollo Rosa Black-Seeded Simpson Tom Thumb Red Deer Tongue
Each lettuce plant requires 4–6 in (10–15 cm) of space and a depth of about 8 inches (20 cm). Choose a pot that can accommodate these measurements. [2] X Research source Purchase pots with drainage holes on the bottom. Place a saucer underneath the pot to catch draining water. You can buy seed starting soil mixes from most plant nurseries or garden centers.
You can buy lettuce seedlings at many plant nurseries or garden centers
The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Another way to test the moisture level of soil is lifting up the pot. If it feels heavy, the soil is saturated with water.
If the weather is warm or cool enough outside, you can move your plants outdoors periodically to get fresh air.
Lettuce plants need at least 12 hours of direct sunlight a day, with 14-16 hours the preferred amount. [7] X Research source Keep in mind that plants grown under a grow light generally need more time under the light than they would with natural sunlight. Aim closer to 14-16 hours instead of 12+ hours if you’re using a grow light.
The hotter the temperatures, the more often you will need to water your lettuce
Use a liquid fertilizer. Granular fertilizers need to be mixed into the soil. Organic alfalfa meal or a nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer both work well with lettuce. [10] X Research source You can also use fish or seaweed emulsion fertilizers but they can emit a strong odor and are less recommended for indoor lettuce plants. [11] X Research source
Indoor lettuce plants grow and mature continually, so you can continue harvesting your plant after you’ve picked it for the first time. Mature indoor lettuce usually grows to about 4 inches (10 cm) tall. See How to Harvest Romaine Lettuce for specific instructions relating to this type of lettuce.
If you can’t harvest in the morning, avoid mid-to-late afternoon, which is when your plant’s least hydrated.
Avoid picking the lettuce’s crown or center. Limit yourself to the outer leaves to boost its overall harvesting yield.
If you don’t think you’ll use your lettuce in 5-8 days, wait a few days before harvesting your plant.
Wait at least 2 weeks before harvesting young plants, which may take time to grow strong after being harvested. Sow additional seeds every 2 weeks to extend your harvest.
