Butterhead Bibb

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Buttery, tender leaves unfurl in a loose, cloudlike rosette—cool to the eye and delicately sweet on the palate.

Butterhead Bibb forms a compact head with spoon-soft texture and a gentle, green crunch that stays succulent from first harvest through the season’s early rhythm. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant cups of greens, it’s a favorite for gardeners who want a quick 55-day payoff and a truly refined bite.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Butterhead Bibb

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Butterhead Bibb is all about tenderness and a cool, sweet leaf—think “succulent spoon” rather than crisp. Treat it gently: crisp cold, sharp dressing, and quick tossing so those buttery leaves don’t turn sulky or watery.

Best Uses

ice-cold chopped salads where the leaves stay intact
lightly dressed lettuce cups (vinaigrette + herbs) without wilting
wedge-style service with warm bacon-like fat and sharp acid
quick wilting in a warm bowl—just enough to relax, not collapse

Flavor Profile

delicate sweetness spoon-soft tenderness gentle green crunch buttery, cool finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette aged balsamic chives Parmigiano-Reggiano prosciutto grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my butterhead (Bibb) leaves getting mushy and brown at the soil line, and what should I do?

Mushy, brown bases on Bibb are often caused by damping-off or early rot from consistently wet soil and poor airflow. Remove affected plants, improve drainage, and water only at the soil surface (not on leaves). Space plants closer to label spacing and thin promptly so heads form in drier, better-ventilated conditions.

How often should I water butterhead (Bibb) during the main growing phase to prevent bolting and keep heads tender?

During head formation, keep the soil evenly moist with about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting to rainfall and heat. Water deeply 1–2 times weekly rather than frequent light sprinkles, and check that the top 1 inch of soil stays slightly moist but not soggy. If the soil dries out fully between waterings, Bibb can stress and become tough or bolt.

When is butterhead (Bibb) ready to harvest, and how do I know the heads are ripe?

Harvest at about 55 days when heads feel firm but still tender and the leaves are flexible (not crunchy) when pressed gently. Look for the center to be well formed with leaves that are pale to light green, depending on your variety. For best flavor, cut in the morning and harvest before the head starts to elongate upward toward bolting.