Lettuce Romaine (Lactuca sativa) is a crisp, upright, and nutritious lettuce variety known for its tall, sturdy leaves and sweet, slightly bitter flavor. It is a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall, producing elongated, crunchy leaves that are perfect for salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Romaine lettuce is easy to grow and can be harvested as baby greens or full heads.

How to Grow Romaine Lettuce

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds directly outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
  • In mild climates, sow in late summer for a fall harvest.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6–8 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.

• Starting Indoors:

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

Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Enrich soil with compost or aged manure for healthy growth.

Sunlight:

• Requires full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.

Growing Romaine 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 reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching:

• Apply a light layer of mulch around the 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 3–4 weeks to promote leafy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and leaf miners—use neem oil or row covers for protection.
• Diseases: Prevent downy mildew and lettuce 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: 55–75 days
• Height: 10–12 inches
• Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Green, sometimes with reddish tinges

How and When to Harvest Romaine Lettuce

• Harvest outer leaves as needed when they reach 6 inches tall (about 30–40 days after planting).
• For full heads, harvest when the plant reaches 10–12 inches tall (around 55–75 days).
• Cut the head at the base, leaving the roots intact for possible regrowth.
• Keep harvested lettuce cool and moist to retain crispness.

Romaine Lettuce Seed Saving

• Lettuce is a self-pollinating plant that bolts (flowers) in warm weather.
• Allow some plants to flower and produce seed heads.
• Once seed heads dry, collect seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.

Romaine lettuce is a crisp, flavorful, and easy-to-grow variety that offers a continuous harvest of fresh greens. Whether grown in gardens, containers, or hydroponic systems, this lettuce variety is a staple for any home gardener! 🥬🌱