Summertime
70d to harvest
Summertime crisphead lettuce brings a cool, fresh crunch the moment you lift a full heart—its leaves open in a tight, luminous rosette with a buttery snap and a clean, mild sweetness. Expect tender, deep-green outer leaves that fade to a paler, buttery center, holding their crisp texture for satisfying salads and elegant platters. Grow Summertime for a dependable 70-day harvest that rewards careful spacing with full, well-formed heads and an inviting, garden-fresh bite.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Apr 24th |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 15th |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 24th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 24th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 70 |
| 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 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I manage powdery mildew or lettuce aphids on Lactuca sativa in summer?
Look for a white, dusty coating on leaves for powdery mildew; remove the worst leaves and improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line. For aphids (often clustered on new growth), spray a strong jet of water to knock them off, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; if needed use insecticidal soap, covering undersides of leaves. Avoid wetting leaves at dusk and don’t over-fertilize, since lush growth attracts aphids.
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growth phase so it doesn’t bolt?
During the 50–70 day growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; for most home gardens this means watering about 2–3 times per week, more often in hot, windy weather. Water deeply enough to wet the root zone, then let the surface just start to dry before the next watering. Drought stress and irregular moisture are major triggers for bolting in summer lettuce.