🥬 Lettuce 'Butterhead'

Sowing window (UK)	March to August
Minimum soil temperature	5°C at seed depth
Sowing depth	1 cm
Spacing	30 cm apart
Days to germination	7 days
Days to harvest	70 days
Sowing method	Direct sow outdoors
Frost hardy	Yes
Sun	partial-shade
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Asteraceae

When should I sow Lettuce 'Butterhead' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Lettuce 'Butterhead' from March to August. It is normally sown direct outdoors. Wait until the soil has reached 5°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - lettuce will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Lettuce 'Butterhead' need to germinate?

Lettuce 'Butterhead' needs a minimum soil temperature of 5°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Lettuce 'Butterhead'?

For Lettuce 'Butterhead', sow it 1cm deep and space plants 30cm apart.

How long does Lettuce 'Butterhead' take to grow?

Lettuce 'Butterhead' takes roughly 70 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 7 days.

Is Lettuce 'Butterhead' frost hardy?

Yes. Lettuce 'Butterhead' is frost hardy and will stand through UK frosts, so it can be left out over winter in most of the country.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.