SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

White Boston

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Crisp at first touch, White Boston forms a lush, pale-green butterhead that feels velvety and cool against the palate—its tender leaves fold into a softly layered rosette. Mild, sweet flavor with a buttery texture makes it a standout for fresh salads and elegant sandwich-style gatherings, while its gentle leaves also shine in light, quick tosses and refreshing pickled accents. With about 55 days to maturity, it’s a satisfying cool-season choice for gardeners who love a classic, garden-fresh head that stays pleasantly tender.

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)40
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

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

Garden Alerts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Lactuca sativa (White Boston lettuce), and how do I control it?
The most common issue is lettuce downy mildew (often shows as yellow patches on upper leaves with fuzzy gray-violet growth on the undersides). Improve airflow and avoid wetting the leaves, then remove and discard badly infected plants; you can also treat early by spraying a labeled fungicide that targets downy mildew for edible greens. If slugs show up, use an evening slug check and hand-remove or use a bait product labeled for use around vegetables to protect tender heads.
How frequently should I water White Boston lettuce during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?
During the main head-forming phase, keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for the top 1 inch to stay damp, not waterlogged. Water about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and your soil, and increase frequency during hot spells to prevent bitter, loose heads from forming. Mulch lightly after seedlings establish to reduce surface drying, which helps prevent stress-induced bolting.
Botanical illustration of White Boston

Crisp at first touch, White Boston forms a lush, pale-green butterhead that feels velvety and cool against the palate—its tender leaves fold into a softly layered rosette. Mild, sweet flavor with a buttery texture makes it a standout for fresh salads and elegant sandwich-style gatherings, while its gentle leaves also shine in light, quick tosses and refreshing pickled accents. With about 55 days to maturity, it’s a satisfying cool-season choice for gardeners who love a classic, garden-fresh head that stays pleasantly tender.

Today's Conditions

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

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 tender heads, keep soil evenly moist and avoid heat—shade or harvest earlier during warm spells.