Trialling at home
A selection of lettuce seed packets Join in at home and grow three of the trial cultivars yourself. You can then let us know how you get on by reporting your findings, which will all help in the overall trial. The three trial cultivars are: 'Pandero', 'Freckles', 'Little Gem Pearl'.
Find out more about the cultivars
Cultivation
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Expected germination time: 6-12 days
Approximate time between sowing and cutting: 8-14 weeks
When to sow: Seed can be sown outdoors from mid-March to late July for cutting from June to October. Seed can also be sown every two weeks throughout the above sowing period to ensure a continuous supply of lettuce from June through to October.
How to sow: Seeds should be sown 1-1.5cm (0.5in) deep. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 15-25cm (6-10in) apart. Or sow at stations spaced 15-25cm (6-10in) apart, three seeds per station. Then, selecting the strongest seedling, thin out later to one plant per station. Seeds can also be sown in modules (cell trays), three seeds per module, thinning to one seedling when the first pair of true leaves develop. These can be transplanted to the vegetable patch or container when large enough to handle to continue growing.
How to grow: Lettuce can be sown direct into a vegetable patch from mid-March onwards. Alternatively, lettuce can easily be grown in containers, such as growing-bag, plant pot or trough and window box. They prefer a sunny position and humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Containers should have good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Use either a soil-based compost, such as John Innes No 3, or a peat-based or peat-free compost. Although, the soil should be kept moist, water early in the day, directly at soil level, so as to avoid sun burning the foliage. Dry conditions may induce early bolting and the lettuce will develop a bitter taste.
Harvesting: To harvest the whole lettuce cut just above soil level using a knife. Alternatively, lettuce can be harvested by carefully pulling them from the soil, although it is important to avoid disturbing the roots of adjacent plants.
Storage: This type of lettuce will stay fresh for up to five days if kept unwashed in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge.
Results
Once you have grown and started to harvest your lettuces please let us know how you got on by filling in the form. All we want to know is: sowing date, where you sowed, use and comments.
Results form (.pdf document) (62KB)
Results form (.doc document) (55KB)
Separate forms are available for schools taking part in the trial
Pests & diseases
For control of pests that may attack the lettuce, see the relevant profile page.
Lettuce blogs
Alison Mundie from RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Guy Barter Head of RHS Advisory and Online Editor Geoff Hodge Will be growing the three trial cultivars too. Find out how they get on in their regular grow your own VEG blogs
