Lettuce Seeds

When to Sow Lettuce Seeds

In Australia, the best time to plant lettuce seeds is during spring sowing seasons and autumn seed seasons, when temperatures are mild and ideal for germination. While lettuce can be grown year-round in some regions, it’s best to avoid sowing during the hottest summer months and coldest winter periods to prevent issues like bolting or poor growth. In temperate areas, sow from early spring to late autumn; in subtropical regions, focus on autumn to early spring; and in tropical climates, plant during the dry season (April to August). Adjust planting times based on your local climate for the best results.

How to Grow Lettuce Seeds

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows well across much of Australia, especially in the milder months of autumn and spring. When planting lettuce seeds, choose a spot with well-drained soil and good air circulation.

Most lettuce varieties prefer at least six hours of sunlight a day, but sun requirements can vary, always check the specific instructions for your chosen variety.

Sowing instructions:

• Planting depth: Sow seeds about 3–5mm deep.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 20–30cm apart depending on the type.
• Soil: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.

Once established, mulching around your lettuce plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Continue to water regularly, especially in warmer climates.

Harvesting depends on the type: for hearting varieties, pick when a firm head forms. For loose-leaf types, harvest individual leaves as needed. For best results, refer to the “How to Grow” section on each product page, as needs can vary between varieties like Cos, Salad Bowl, or Iceberg.

Top Tips for Growing Lettuce

Growing lettuce can be made all the easier by choosing ideal varieties. For example, lettuce plants have the risk of bolting in summer, so choosing bolt-resistant varieties can be handy if this is when you’re thinking of sowing. On the other hand, growth slows down in winter, so going for faster-maturing or cold-tolerant varieties is your best option.

To make the most of your growing space and to keep fresh crops sprouting, lettuce is ideal for companion planting, with many spring-sowing favourites to grow alongside it. It has shallow roots, so growing it alongside vegetables with deeper roots, such as carrot seeds and onion seeds, can help to prevent weeds from becoming a problem in the area.

Buy Lettuce Seeds at Mr Fothergill’s

Growing your very own lettuce seeds begins here at Mr Fothergill’s! Choose the lettuce variety that best suits your personal taste and your growing environment, with cos lettuce seeds and many more varieties to choose from. You can buy lettuce seeds online at Mr Fothergill’s, but you can also find our fantastic products at all good garden centres and major hardware stores.