Romaine lettuce, which are known botanically as Lactuca Sativa, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing romaine lettuce as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Romaine Lettuce
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the romaine lettuce seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected fall frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when romaine lettuce are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Romaine Lettuce the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing romaine lettuce in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your romaine lettuce grow. Generally, your soil should be loamy soil that has good drainage characteristics. Soil PH levels should be around 6.0 to 6.5.
2″ apart in rows 15″ apart. 8″ apart in rows 18″ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 0.25″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your romaine lettuce seedlings 8″ apart when seedlings are 2″ tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Romaine Lettuce
How Much to Water Romaine Lettuce
How Long Does it Take Romaine Lettuce to Germinate and Grow?
When to Harvest Romaine Lettuce
The best time to harvest your romaine lettuce is when it looks dark green and the leaves look open.
Romaine lettuce can grow up to about 8-9″ tall.
What Can Romaine Lettuce Be Used For?
Food Use: must-have for a delicious Caesar salad
Flavor Profile: sweet, mild, and very crisp.
Can Romaine Lettuce Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you can plant up to 1 plant per 12″ container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your romaine lettuce around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Romaine Lettuce Safe for Bees?
Yes, romaine lettuce are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing romaine lettuce is bee-friendly.
