SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Summer Bibb

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Summer Bibb to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Summer Bibb
55d to harvest

Cool, crisp leaves unfurl in a tight, butter-soft head—Summer Bibb delivers a fresh, sweet green crunch with a tender, succulent bite. The pale chartreuse heart stays delicately mild while the outer leaves hold a satisfying snap, making this crisphead ideal for fresh salads and elegant garnish. Grow it for dependable midseason performance and a clean, refined texture that shines in every bowl.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 25th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)7

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Summer Bibb in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Summer Bibb.

Garden Alerts

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

Recommended Companions

Shunkyo Radish
View Details →
Yellowstone Carrot
View Details →
Northern Pickling Cucumber
View Details →
Purly Chives
View Details →
Carrot Delight Carrot
View Details →
Metki Dark Green Cucumber
View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most likely on Lactuca sativa (Summer Bibb), and how do I manage it?
Bibb lettuces commonly suffer from downy mildew (often showing yellow-green patches on leaves with grayish growth underneath) in cool, humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves early, space plants for airflow, and avoid wetting foliage when watering; use drip irrigation if possible. If problems persist, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for lettuce/downy mildew and follow label timing closely to protect heads before harvest.
How can I tell when Summer Bibb (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 55 days when heads feel firm and well-formed, with leaves that are crisp and tightly gathered but still tender. Look for a compact, butterhead-style “bibb” shape rather than an airy clump, and cut in the morning for best texture. If leaves start to loosen and the center elongates, it’s over-maturing—harvest immediately to avoid bitterness.
Botanical illustration of Summer Bibb

Cool, crisp leaves unfurl in a tight, butter-soft head—Summer Bibb delivers a fresh, sweet green crunch with a tender, succulent bite. The pale chartreuse heart stays delicately mild while the outer leaves hold a satisfying snap, making this crisphead ideal for fresh salads and elegant garnish. Grow it for dependable midseason performance and a clean, refined texture that shines in every bowl.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Summer Bibb in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Summer Bibb.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For Summer Bibb, keep plants evenly moist and use light shade/row cover during heat spikes to preserve crispness and slow bolting.