Summertime

Lettuce

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Rosette

Summertime crisphead lettuce brings a cool, fresh crunch the moment you lift a full heart—its leaves open in a tight, luminous ro…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 11th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 12th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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)	6

Recommended Companions

Red Burgermaster Onion

Redwing Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew or lettuce aphids on Lactuca sativa in summer?

Look for a white, dusty coating on leaves for powdery mildew; remove the worst leaves and improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line. For aphids (often clustered on new growth), spray a strong jet of water to knock them off, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; if needed use insecticidal soap, covering undersides of leaves. Avoid wetting leaves at dusk and don’t over-fertilize, since lush growth attracts aphids.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growth phase so it doesn’t bolt?

During the 50–70 day growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; for most home gardens this means watering about 2–3 times per week, more often in hot, windy weather. Water deeply enough to wet the root zone, then let the surface just start to dry before the next watering. Drought stress and irregular moisture are major triggers for bolting in summer lettuce.

When is Lactuca sativa ready to harvest, and how should I pick it?

Harvest at about 70 days from sowing (or when the heads/rosettes reach full size for your type) and when leaves are firm rather than floppy. For leaf lettuce, start picking outer leaves as they reach usable size; for head types, harvest when the head feels dense and reaches its expected size. Once you see signs of bolting (tall center stem forming), harvest promptly because quality declines quickly.

Summertime crisphead lettuce brings a cool, fresh crunch the moment you lift a full heart—its leaves open in a tight, luminous rosette with a buttery snap and a clean, mild sweetness. Expect tender, deep-green outer leaves that fade to a paler, buttery center, holding their crisp texture for satisfying salads and elegant platters. Grow Summertime for a dependable 70-day harvest that rewards careful spacing with full, well-formed heads and an inviting, garden-fresh bite.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For bolt resistance, keep plants cool and consistently watered; in warm climates use part-shade and sow/space to avoid crowding.