Lettuce is a great addition to your salad. You can try different varieties such as head lettuces, microgreens, arugula, and leaf lettuces. But it can be grown year round, with very little tender loving care after making sure that there is adequate feed. Or grow lettuces in pots or tubs of potting soil. In Manila, the best time to grow lettuce is when the average daily temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius- or sometime from November to around early-February. In the tropics you can only grow lettuce during the cooler months. Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests. Especially if you are in an area prone to stinking hot summers. •Production and yields fell slightly in 2009, but there was a small rise in the area planted. ... however lettuce, radish and turnips are almost able to be planted in any season with results. Growing Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) How To Grow Lettuce In Warm Weather. It is also stouter, the stem and leaves are more purple flushed, [disputed – discuss] the leaves are less divided, but more spreading. They thrive under agri-fleece material, and survive uncovered so long as the ground doesn't freeze. Unfortunately lettuce is NOT a tropical plant! Crisphead varieties (which includes the ubiquitous Icebergs) take about ten to twelve weeks to mature, and should be harvested roots and all. Cos varieties are my favourites, take about ten – eleven weeks to grow up, and outer leaves can be harvested while the lettuce is still growing. Instead we suggest that you go to your local garden centre to find out what’s available locally. Lettuce The ABS Survey 2009 ( Australian Bureau of Statistics ), shows the Queensland industry produced 55,961 t worth $70.65 grown on 2,293 ha. We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs. Lettuce has long been a staple salad ingredient throughout Australia and is very easy to grow from seed. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Keep the area well mulched and test soil moisture regularly. Where to Grow Lettuce. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided. It will tolerate temperatures between 15°C and 35°C; however optimum temperatures for growth ranges between 22°C and 30°C. About Gardenate | One environmentally beneficial suggestion is coffee grounds spread around your patch, either your own or contact your local café. Lettuce does NOT like hot weather. However modern plant breeding means there are now lettuces available acrossAustraliathat are suitable for planting all year long. Join our 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter. Wild Lettuce is native to the Mediterranean region and prefers light, well-drained soils in an open, sunny position. Choose a variety marked on the seed packet as suitable for the time of year as some do badly in the very hot months. Lettuce prefers a bright, open position with good air circulation to promote strong, disease-free growth. Lettuces have shallow roots and thus need frequent watering, especially in hot and/or windy weather. Drought and frost tender. Instead we suggest that you go to your local garden centre to find out what’s available locally. Walk away, and count the days to planting time. Lettuce is categorized as two types: head (iceberg) and leaf, which includes romaine, butterhead, and leaf types. Get our app for iPhone, Knowing what is going to be best eaten in Winter and Spring makes a huge impact on the environment – it can lead to eating more locally grown produce than relying on off season fruit and vegetables being trucked and flown to your area. These guys are heartless so therefore can be picked as needed. In colder weather they tolerate more sunlight. •Lettuce was Australia’s 6th largest vegetable crop in 2008/09, accounting for 6.2% of total vegetable production by value. In terms of annual eatings per capita, lettuce salads rank second only to potatoes. Privacy Policy. However modern plant breeding means there are now lettuces available acrossAustraliathat are suitable for planting all year long. Find a Green Gardening Professionals member, Choosing Fruit and Vegetables to Grow or Buy Organic on a Budget. Remember, “Iceberg” is not the only lettuce around,  try a variety of lettuces. All seedlings get nibbled down to nothing at night and I can't identify what is going it. New seedlings will benefit when soil is prepared soil about two weeks before planting. Lettuce are shallow rooted so water daily in hot or dry weather to prevent bitter flavour. 2) Lettuce. Grow lettuce in any well-drained, fertile soil. They usually appreciate not having to throw away something that is just waste to them. An heirloom iceberg lettuce variety, first introduced in 1941. Cool/Mountain region. FRUIT & VEGETABLES – plant artichoke, beetroot, capsicum, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, pumpkin, radish, shallots, spring onion and tomato. Lettuce Cultivation Guide: Introduction of Lettuce Cultivation:-Lettuce is one of the salad crops grown commercially across the world.Lettuce was grown for centuries and was originated in Asia continent. Lettuce is versatile and incredibly easy to grow. It matures early and has soft leaves with a mild taste. Growing Lettuce in Manila. Describe yourself: Like most of the snails in your garden I'm a foreigner to this land. Vegetable Spotlight –Lettuce. There are so many varieties out there, as well as varieties specific to just about any climate, meaning that lettuce can basically be grown anywhere, anytime. This determines how long it takes them all to mature. Now when you're using PVC pipe like this for planting into, it's important that you use new, Australian made stormwater pipe which is designed to carry potable water so it's safe to grow food in. Water is vital. In the early 1900s, the ice shipping industry developed in the western states, expanding the range and popularity of lettuce. Growing lettuce is relatively easy. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 27°C. I live in Perth and very keen to know what is doing it and how I can control them Lettuce grown hydroponically in Mr Stacky Tower Gardens; * Grows best in the cooler months * Needs full sun during winter (min 4-6 hours p/day) and shaded sun during summer * Should be continually planted at intervals of 3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest * Will be ready for harvest from 30 – 60 days from sowing (depending on the variety) It’s a great leafy green to grow because it grows quickly, produces for a long time, and isn’t very demanding as long as you keep it sufficiently watered. A partial guide has been prepared for you, but with most ‘guides’  things vary, depending on where you are; Snails are by far the biggest pest associated with lettuce, as are slugs and earwigs to a lesser extent. 11 Jul 20, Valmai (Australia - sub-tropical climate), 13 Jul 20, (Australia - temperate climate), 20 Jan 20, Miles (Australia - temperate climate), 21 Jan 20, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate), 20 Aug 19, Graham (Australia - sub-tropical climate), 21 Aug 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate), 15 Aug 19, Karen (Australia - cool/mountain climate), 18 Aug 19, Nicole (Australia - temperate climate), 16 Aug 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate), 19 Aug 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate). Gardening Australia podcasts. I am a bit of a nomad,…, If it is important to you to reduce your exposure to artificial chemicals in food, it can be quite expensive to buy organic fruit and veggies and it…, Learn how you can help to create a healthier and more sustainable food system in this free online class, presented[...], Learn everything you need to know to turn your garden into a native plant oasis. Lettuces are a heavier feeder as they grow quite rapidly and produce a lot of leaves per plant. Lettuce varieties range in sizes, shapes, colours and flavours however crisphead (iceberg), romaine (cos), butterhead and looseleaf are the most popular in Australia. You can also deliver a half strength seaweed solution at planting time, as this is great for encouraging robust root growth. Snapshot •The value of lettuce production rose by 11.3% to $187 million in 2008/09. Have a look around in your garden shop or nursery,  most nurseries will sell a lettuce mix as well as punnet’s of a particular ‘type’. Summary. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. Pest problems are easy to deal with, but only climactic conditions can ensure head formation. Oh, and don’t be afraid to test your pH… 6.5 is just fine! These suggestions will also benefit other plants in your patch that these critters may be attracted to. Choose a pot at least 200mm and position in full sun. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Buy now Butterheads are similar to crispies, only smaller. Lettuce has been grown in the United States since colonial times. If you want to grow lettuce in the middle of summer, then as I’ve said, grow it … Butterhead A heading type like the crisphead but with the leaves more loosely folded on top of one another. Home | Water lettuce is frost sensitive and growth is limited in temperate zones by long cool winters. Garden Snail and bolting. Sprinkle in some seed at any time of year and this quick growing vegetable will be ready in weeks. About Lettuce. Sow in rows and use thinnings as small salad greens. All rights reserved. It’s a great first vegetable for kids because it grows quickly, especially if you pick a few leaves every day rather than waiting for a full head. Contact us | You can always start seed indoors and then transplant the seedlings when all d… Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. An annual plant grown for its leafy foliage. Dry Inland (includes: Arid or Outback areas) HERBS – basil will grow very quickly … Try to provide some shade to prevent them 'bolting' to flower and seed in the hottest months. In cooler climates, the lettuce growing season can also be extended year-round using an indoor hydroponic system. Crisphead lettuce is the major type grown in Australia and also the most difficult to grow. If soil is left to dry out, lettuce may run to seed creating a wasted plant, taste bitter or unfortunately die. The plant is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. Lettuces are big fans of position and timing. Australia is a very big country with vast climate regions. Slow to bolt with crunchy, succulent leaves. 20 Jan 20, Miles (Australia - temperate climate) I am trying to grow lettuce in soil I have added my home compost to. It's a favourite with gardeners as it grows well in summer when … 28 Jul 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate) I grow lettuce through the winter frosts. Fixing no head formation on your lettuce crop means providing temperatures and site conditions that encourage for… There is nothing that can beat fresh veggies like one from your own garden. It’s not necessary and it’s financially and ecologically more sustainable to use good bed preparation. With a large variety of types and therefore flavours, lettuce isn’t just reduced to your Cos or iceberg! But I come from a cooler climate originally. (Best months for growing Lettuce in Australia - temperate regions), T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings P = Sow seed. Soil improved over time with plenty of compost is ideal. Lettuce is a cool season crop that will bolt or fail to fix heads when daytime temperatures are higher than 70 F. (21 C.) Although relatively easy to grow, head lettuce problems may range from slug and snail damage to loose heads. All of which can be avoided. Lettuce offer a range of shapes, sizes and colours but they are all easy to grow. A biennial plant, growing to 1.5m x 1.0m. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Prepare the soil well beforehand: add plenty of … There are many places where lettuce is grown in commercial quantities in Australia, and it is the country's seventh largest vegetable crop. How to grow lettuce in a pot. Warm Areas: All Year Round! ENJOY: As part of canapés when entertaining, use as a bread replacement or simply cut and toss into your next salad. Set up a beer trap, see the snails factsheet for this and other great tips on how discourage snails and slugs. There are many places where lettuce is grown in commercial quantities in Australia, and it is the country's seventh largest vegetable crop. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual plant of the daisy family, Asteraceae.It is most often grown as a leaf vegetable, but sometimes for its stem and seeds. Cos lettuce are great in cooler climes, and can easily become a winter favourite. Lettuce is a cool season crop and is best grown in either spring or fall when temperatures do not go to extremes.