Fast Facts
| Planting Season | Water Needs | Light Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spring & Autumn | Moderate | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
About Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a cool-season leafy vegetable, highly favored for its tender leaves and quick maturity. It's perfect for container gardening, raised beds, or small kitchen gardens. With many types available, from crisphead to butterhead, you can enjoy fresh greens almost year-round in Pakistan’s climate.
When to Plant Lettuce in Pakistan
| Region | Spring Season | Monsoon Season |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan | Feb – April | August – September |
| KPK, Northern Areas | March – May | Not recommended (rain sensitivity) |
Quick Botanical Profile
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Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
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Family: Asteraceae
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Pollination: Mostly self-pollinated
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Flowering Habit: Annual
Growth Timeline
| Starting | Sprout | Vegetative | Flowering | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Day 5–10 | Day 20–35 | Day 40+ | Day 45–60 |
How-To by Growth Stage
When to Plant Lettuce Seeds
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Plant in early spring or autumn when temperatures are cool (15–25°C).
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For extended harvest, sow seeds every 2–3 weeks.
Where to Plant Lettuce Seeds
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Full sun to partial shade (important in warmer regions).
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Loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
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✅ Use Organic Potting Mix from ApnaUgao for container or bed planting.
How to Plant Lettuce Seeds
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and lightly cover with fine soil.
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Keep soil moist during germination.
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Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart once established.
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✅ Start seeds in 4" Plastic Pots for better success.
How to Harvest Lettuce
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Harvest outer leaves as needed when plants reach 4–6 inches tall.
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Or harvest the whole head once firm and full-sized.
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Morning harvest gives the crispest leaves.
How to Care for Lettuce
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Maintain even soil moisture to avoid bitterness.
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Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Fertilize lightly every 2–3 weeks with Organic Vermicompost.
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Protect from extreme heat with shade nets if necessary.
Companion Planting for Lettuce
✅ Good Companions:
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Carrots
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Radishes
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Onions
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Cucumbers
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Strawberries
❌ Avoid Planting Near:
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Broccoli
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Cabbage (competes for nutrients)
Scientific Variations – Lettuce
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Crisphead Lettuce – Iceberg types, crunchy heads
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Butterhead Lettuce – Soft, buttery leaves (e.g., Bibb, Boston)
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Looseleaf Lettuce – Quick-growing leaf types (e.g., Lollo Rossa)
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Romaine Lettuce – Upright, crunchy leaves
(ApnaUgao offers heirloom and organic lettuce seed collections.)
Benefits of Lettuce
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Low-calorie, nutrient-dense green
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Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
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Supports hydration and digestion
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Fresh taste enhances salads, sandwiches, and wraps
