Nancy

Lettuce

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Rosette

Nancy butterhead lettuce forms a lush, cloud-soft rosette with tender, buttery leaves that unfurl in pale green layers—sweet, mil…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 4th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 2nd
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nancy lettuce (Lactuca sativa) — what pest or disease is most likely, and how do I control it?

A common problem is downy mildew (often appears as yellow patches on upper leaves with gray-purple growth underneath) and it spreads fast in cool, humid conditions. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. If it’s recurring, rotate beds and use a preventive copper-based fungicide labeled for lettuce at the first signs of spotting, following the product label exactly.

How often should I water Nancy lettuce during its main growing phase?

During the ~60-day growth period, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for evenly damp soil about 1 inch (2–3 cm) down. In part sun and mild weather, this is often about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 sessions if temperatures are higher. If lettuce dries out between waterings, it can turn bitter and become prone to bolting.

How can I tell when Nancy lettuce is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/leaf size match the package expectation and leaves feel firm, not limp, with good color (usually around 60 days). For loose-leaf types, you can “cut-and-come-again” by snipping outer leaves once they’re large enough while keeping the center growing. For best texture, harvest in the morning and stop before leaves get overly large or begin loosening into a bolting stem.

Nancy butterhead lettuce forms a lush, cloud-soft rosette with tender, buttery leaves that unfurl in pale green layers—sweet, mild, and beautifully delicate in flavor. At maturity (about 60 days), the heads feel velvety and supple, with a gentle crunch that melts into a smooth, fresh bite. Ideal for gardeners who love a refined, spoonable salad base and elegant garnishes, Nancy shines in cool-season plantings and shines most when harvested young and crisp.

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 Nancy butterhead, keep it cool and consistently moist—transplant when nights are reliably above freezing and be ready to cover during cold snaps to prevent bolting/rot.