Lettuce Bibb (Lactuca sativa) is a tender, buttery, and compact variety of butterhead lettuce known for its loose, rosette-shaped heads and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This variety thrives in cool weather and is prized for its soft, crisp leaves, making it perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

How to Grow Bibb Lettuce

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds directly in the garden 2–4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
  • In mild climates, sow again in late summer for a fall harvest.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6–8 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

• Starting Indoors:

  • Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest.
  • Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 40°F.

Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Enrich soil with compost or organic matter for healthy growth.

Sunlight:

• Requires full sun to partial shade, at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
• In warmer climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting (going to seed too quickly).

Growing Bibb Lettuce

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Water 1–1.5 inches per week, increasing during dry periods.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Mulching:

• Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting.
• Apply a side dressing of compost or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to encourage lush leaf growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and leaf miners—use neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or row covers for protection.
• Diseases: Prevent downy mildew and root rot by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding excessive moisture.
• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Fast Facts

• Latin Name: Lactuca sativa
• Type: Cool-Season Annual
• USDA Zones: 4–9 (spring and fall), 10–12 (winter growing)
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 50–60 days
• Height: 6–10 inches
• Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Light Green with Soft, Rounded Leaves
• Growth Habit: Loose-Leaf, Butterhead Type

How and When to Harvest Bibb Lettuce

• Harvest outer leaves when they reach 4–6 inches long for a continuous harvest (about 30–40 days).
• For full heads, harvest at 50–60 days by cutting at the base.
• Picking leaves frequently encourages more growth and extends the harvest season.
• Store harvested leaves in a cool, moist place for freshness.

Bibb Lettuce Seed Saving

• Allow some plants to bolt (flower and go to seed) in warm weather.
• Once seed heads dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.
• Lettuce is mostly self-pollinating, making it easy to save seeds for future planting.

Bibb Lettuce is a buttery, crisp, and easy-to-grow variety perfect for home gardens. With its tender texture and sweet flavor, it provides delicious, fresh greens for an extended harvest season! 🥬🌱