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	Sep 24th

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

Red Meat Radish

Amarillo Carrot

New Belt Chives

Korean Radish (Mu) Radish

Minicor Carrot

Common Chives Chives

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (May King lettuce), and how can I prevent it?

Watch for downy mildew and lettuce aphids, especially when nights are cool and humidity stays high. Improve airflow by spacing plants as directed, avoid wetting leaves during watering, and remove any infected leaves early. If aphids appear, rinse them off with a strong spray and repeat every few days; for recurring outbreaks use insecticidal soap according to label directions.

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.