Sylvesta

Lettuce

60d to harvest

Silky, butter-soft leaves unfurl in a compact rosette, catching the light with a fresh, cool green glow. Sylvesta butterhead lettuce delivers a sweet, mellow flavor and a tender, spoonable texture that stays pleasantly crisp at the center—ideal for gardeners who love a graceful, early harvest. Grow Sylvesta for salads, sandwiches, and elegant fresh wraps, or for quick wilted greens and bright, leaf-forward sauces.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 8th
Harvest Begins	Jul 7th
Harvest Ends	Sep 24th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Recommended Companions

Thumbelina Carrot

Spanish Black Radish

Common Chives Chives

Nantes Scarlet Carrot

Watermelon Radish Radish

Kokusai Chives

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (leaf lettuce), and what should I do first?

Watch for downy mildew and aphids, which commonly hit cool-season Lactuca sativa, especially when leaves stay wet. Remove and discard infected leaves early, space plants so air can circulate, and water at the soil line in the morning to keep foliage dry. If aphids appear, rinse them off with a strong stream of water and apply an insecticidal soap directly to the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during its main growing phase (around weeks 3–8)?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy; aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and your soil’s drainage. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because lettuce quickly develops bitter flavor and bolting if it dries out. In warm periods, split watering into two shorter sessions to maintain steady moisture without waterlogging.