Boston

Lettuce

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Rosette

Sink your spoon into Boston’s lush, butter-soft leaves—tender, sweet, and delicately crisp with a creamy, pale-green heart. Formi…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 11th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 20th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Boston lettuce?

Powdery mildew often shows up as a white, dusty coating on Boston lettuce leaves during warm, humid stretches with poor airflow. Remove the most affected leaves immediately, thin plants so air can circulate, and water the soil (not the foliage) so leaves dry faster. If it keeps spreading, treat with an appropriate garden fungicide labeled for edible leafy greens and follow the label timing, avoiding harvest until the stated re-entry/PHI period is over.

How often should I water Boston lettuce during the 50-day growing phase?

During the main growth period, keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, split into smaller waterings as needed. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch; Boston lettuce is prone to bitterness and bolting if it dries out, especially in part-sun and warmer spells. Use mulch to reduce moisture swings, and avoid letting plants sit in soggy soil that stays wet.

When is Boston lettuce ready to harvest at about 50 days?

Harvest when heads are firm and leaves are crisp, typically around 50 days from sowing (or sooner for smaller heads). Check by gently squeezing the plant base—if it feels well-filled with minimal give, it’s ready; if it’s loose or noticeably soft, wait a few more days. Cut at the base in the morning for best crispness, before leaves start to elongate or bolt.

Sink your spoon into Boston’s lush, butter-soft leaves—tender, sweet, and delicately crisp with a creamy, pale-green heart. Forming a classic butterhead rosette in about 50 days, this variety delivers a velvety texture that stays pleasantly mild and succulent for fresh garden harvests. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant platters, Boston’s gentle flavor shines with minimal dressing and bright, garden-fresh simplicity.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For butterhead (like Boston), keep seedlings cool and consistently moist—fluctuating temperatures are a common trigger for early bolting.