White Boston

Lettuce

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 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

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.

How can I tell when White Boston lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm and well-formed, typically around 55 days from sowing (or when they reach the expected size for your bed rows). Use your hand to gently press the head—if it feels tight rather than soft and airy, it’s ready. If leaves are still easily separated at the base or the plant is stretching upward, wait a few more days unless temperatures are pushing bolting.