SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Butterhead Bibb

Lettuce
Zone 12b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Buttery, tender leaves unfurl in a loose, cloudlike rosette—cool to the eye and delicately sweet on the palate. Butterhead Bibb forms a compact head with spoon-soft texture and a gentle, green crunch that stays succulent from first harvest through the season’s early rhythm. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant cups of greens, it’s a favorite for gardeners who want a quick 55-day payoff and a truly refined bite.

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 the sweetest, most tender Bibb heads, keep soil evenly moist and transplant early enough to harvest before hot weather sets in.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, 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)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Butterhead Bibb in Zone 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Butterhead Bibb.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my butterhead (Bibb) leaves getting mushy and brown at the soil line, and what should I do?
Mushy, brown bases on Bibb are often caused by damping-off or early rot from consistently wet soil and poor airflow. Remove affected plants, improve drainage, and water only at the soil surface (not on leaves). Space plants closer to label spacing and thin promptly so heads form in drier, better-ventilated conditions.
How often should I water butterhead (Bibb) during the main growing phase to prevent bolting and keep heads tender?
During head formation, keep the soil evenly moist with about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting to rainfall and heat. Water deeply 1–2 times weekly rather than frequent light sprinkles, and check that the top 1 inch of soil stays slightly moist but not soggy. If the soil dries out fully between waterings, Bibb can stress and become tough or bolt.
When is butterhead (Bibb) ready to harvest, and how do I know the heads are ripe?
Harvest at about 55 days when heads feel firm but still tender and the leaves are flexible (not crunchy) when pressed gently. Look for the center to be well formed with leaves that are pale to light green, depending on your variety. For best flavor, cut in the morning and harvest before the head starts to elongate upward toward bolting.

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 the sweetest, most tender Bibb heads, keep soil evenly moist and transplant early enough to harvest before hot weather sets in.

Botanical illustration of Butterhead Bibb

Buttery, tender leaves unfurl in a loose, cloudlike rosette—cool to the eye and delicately sweet on the palate. Butterhead Bibb forms a compact head with spoon-soft texture and a gentle, green crunch that stays succulent from first harvest through the season’s early rhythm. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant cups of greens, it’s a favorite for gardeners who want a quick 55-day payoff and a truly refined bite.