Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Lettuce on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, widely cultivated for its edible leaves. It features a rosette of leaves that can vary in shape, color, and texture, from smooth green to curly purple. It's an excellent choice for urban gardens, low-maintenance plots, or even pots on balconies, providing freshness and color.
Native range
Mediterranean region and Middle East
Care tips
Lettuce prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in warm climates to prevent bolting. It requires regular and consistent watering to keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged, which can lead to rot. The ideal substrate should be rich in organic matter, well-drained, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is allowing the soil to dry out completely, which stresses the plant and can accelerate premature flowering.
How to save a dying Lettuce
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or burnt-edged leaves; slow or no growth. Often due to too much or too little water.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, aerate soil and reduce watering.
- What kills it
- Inconsistent watering (too much or too little) and exposure to extreme heat or frost, which stress it quickly.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, often. Act quickly by correcting watering and protecting it from extreme temperatures.