May King

Lettuce

50d to harvest

Crisp, buttery leaves unfurl in a soft, pale-green rosette that feels almost velvety to the eye—then delivers a clean, sweet crunch with a gentle, mellow flavor. May King forms a well-centered butterhead at about 50 days, with tender, spoon-shaped leaves that stay pleasantly succulent for fresh use and quick, light dressing. Ideal for gardeners who want a dependable, early-season head that looks as refined as it tastes.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 17th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 8th
Harvest Begins	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water May King lettuce during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture level is best?

During the main growth period (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently evenly moist—typically 1–2 waterings per week depending on heat and container vs. bed. Water deeply enough to reach the root zone, then let the surface slightly dry before the next watering to reduce disease pressure. Lettuce that dries out too much can turn bitter and bolt sooner.

How do I tell when May King lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the head (or rosette, depending on your training) reaches full size for its spacing and the leaves are crisp and tender rather than overly tough. For May King, you’re usually aiming for about 50 days from sowing, but verify by size and leaf texture before cutting. Cut in the morning at ground level, and avoid harvesting after the plant has started bolting (flower stem emerging), which makes leaves bitter.