Butter lettuce is a loose leaf lettuce with soft but sturdy leaves and a sweeter flavor than regular head lettuce. Similar to Bibb and Boston lettuce, butter lettuce is easy to maintain, and today we'll show you how to grow butter lettuce in the garden! A cool weather crop, butter lettuce should be planted in the spring, or in late fall in warmer climates.
How to Grow Butter Lettuce in the Garden
Planting Butter Lettuce:
Once butter lettuce is planted, you can expect anywhere from 60-70 days to harvest. This type of lettuce is great to grow for salads, sandwiches, and even soups because of its soft leaves and mild flavor.
- Plant seeds in the spring (if in a cooler climate) or in the fall (if in a warmer climate) about 1/4 inch deep into the soil.
- Space each row 12-18 inches apart.
- Plant about 10 seeds per foot of row.
- In a cooler climate, plant butter lettuce in full sun. In warmer climates, plant in shaded areas.
- Keep soil moist while the lettuce germinates, watering every day.
- Once the lettuce is a few inches in height, thin it to 4 inches apart.
- Water every day or every other day depending on conditions.
- Retain moisture by mulching around the lettuce heads.
Butter Lettuce Care:
- Water regularly and keep an eye out for weeds. Try to weed at least once a week.
- Regularly inspect the lettuce for aphids. These tiny little insects can be seen on the leaves and they may be rinsed off gently with water.
- If aphids are a big problem, check out this article on how to kill aphids!
- Harvest butter lettuce within 60-70 days of planting.
So now that you know how to grow butter lettuce, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
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