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	Mar 23rd
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 13th
Harvest Begins	Jun 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

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

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 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.