Buttercrisp

Lettuce

60d to harvest

Buttery, crisp leaves unfurl in a softly cupped head that feels as luxurious as it looks—tender, pale-green folds with a clean, refreshing bite. Buttercrisp’s butterhead form matures in about 60 days, building a compact rosette of velvety texture that stays pleasantly crisp for days. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant platters, it also shines in light, spoonable sauces where its gentle flavor and supple leaves lend a refined finish.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (buttercrisp) and how do I stop it?

Watch for slugs and aphids, which are common on lettuce in cool seasons and can quickly stunt growth or leave leaves with holes. Use floating row cover soon after sowing to keep pests off, then hand-pick slugs at dusk or use a pet-safe slug bait around plant bases. If you see grayish fuzzy patches, remove affected leaves promptly and improve airflow between plants to reduce lettuce diseases like botrytis.

How often should I water buttercrisp lettuce during the main growing phase?

During the peak growth period (about weeks 3–8), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—water when the top 1 inch starts to dry out, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on weather. Avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to soaked, since that increases the risk of bitter leaves and bolting in Lactuca sativa. Water at the soil line to keep leaves drier, especially in humid weather.

How can I tell when buttercrisp (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are fully formed and feel firm when gently squeezed, usually around 60 days from sowing for buttercrisp. Outer leaves should be crisp and fresh, and the center should have a tight, pale-green to buttery appearance typical of butterhead lettuce. If plants start sending up a flowering stalk (bolting), harvest immediately—even if the head isn’t at maximum size—to avoid a bitter taste.