GardenHow to grow lettuce
सलाद पत्ता. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaOctober to December
HillsMarch to May, August and September
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow directly and thin, or transplant at three to four weeks.
- Depth
- 0.5 cm
- Spacing
- 20 to 25 cm apart
- In a pot
- A box or pot 15 to 20 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 4 to 8 days
- Harvest
- 45 to 60 days; loose-leaf types can be picked earlier
- Sun
- Light shade is fine; 3 to 4 hours of sun are enough
Tips from the garden
- Grow loose-leaf types and pick the outer leaves as needed. The plant keeps growing from the centre.
- Lettuce seed needs light to sprout. Press it into the surface and barely cover it.
- It likes cool weather and light shade. Heat makes it bitter and sends it to seed.
What can go wrong
Bitter leaves and a tall central stalk mean the weather has turned too warm. Harvest everything and stop for the season.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is lettuce sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for lettuce are September to November.
How long does lettuce take to grow?
Usually 45 to 60 days; loose-leaf types can be picked earlier.
Can lettuce be grown in a pot?
Yes. A box or pot 15 to 20 cm deep.