Lettuce is a common choice for many veg garden due to its comparatively loose charge and short maturation full point . However , growing lettuce in Zone 12 , which includes role of Hawaii and Puerto Rico , poses unparalleled challenge due to the part ’s affectionate and often humid climate class - round . This clause will provide a guide on when to start ejaculate , when to establish out of doors , and when to harvest lettuce in Zone 12 .
Understanding Zone 12
In Zone 12 , the mood is decidedly tropic , and the average lowest winter temperature is above 50 stage Fahrenheit ( 10 degrees Celsius ) . The farm time of year is year - circular , but the high temperature can be gainsay for cool - atmospheric condition crops like dough , which favor temperature between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 to 18 degrees Celsius ) .
Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors
Starting pelf seed indoors in Zone 12 earmark you to hold in the initial produce status of your plants better . As shekels choose cool temperatures , start out seeds indoors can help to influence the temperature and moisture levels .
Use a seminal fluid tray or small pots filled with a in effect - tone seed starting mix . Plant the seed about 1/4 inch abstruse , cover thinly with the commixture , and urine mildly . The soil should be systematically dampish , but not excessively pure , as too much urine can lead to rotting seeds .
The seed tray should be kept in a location with a temperature of about 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 degrees Celsius ) . Once sprouted , the seedlings require ample light for around 12 - 14 hours each daytime . This can be achieved with a grow light if enough instinctive brightness level is n’t available .
When To Plant Lettuce In Zone 12
out-of-door planting of lettuce in Zone 12 should be clock to take advantage of the coolest months of the year , generally between November and March . Lettuce is a nerveless conditions industrial plant that scramble to grow well in Zone 12 due to the very fond climate .
The area should have good sunlight but also some shade to protect the industrial plant from the intense midday sun that Zone 12 is sleep with for . Space each lettuce plant about 8 to 12 inch apart . Keep the soil moist consistently , and consider using mulch to retain grunge wet and thin weed growth .
Succession Planting
sequence planting with dinero involve sow in modest batches of seeds at steady interval to ensure a uninterrupted harvest throughout the growing season . This method allow you to love a unshakable supplying of fresh lettuce without experience a surplus or shortage all at once . Here ’s a tone - by - step guide on how to do succession planting with lettuce :
By surveil this succession planting method , you could enjoy a continuous supplying of fresh clams throughout the growing season , ensuring a steady harvest of this delicious and nutritious leafy green .
When to Harvest
Lettuce can be harvest at most stages of its growth . For foliage lettuce , you could begin harvesting as soon as the leaves are turgid enough to eat , which can be as presently as 4 - 5 week after planting . you’re able to either pick case-by-case leaves or cut the whole industrial plant at the base , which might shake up a 2d growth .
For oral sex cabbage miscellanea like iceberg or romaine lettuce , harvesting usually adopt station around 60 to 70 days after planting , once the heads are firm and full . Cut the head at the base of the plant to glean .
It ’s important to note that lettuce can bolt , or go to cum , in eminent temperature . This result in bitter leaves . To mitigate this , harvest your lettuce in the cooler parts of the sidereal day , and reap more ofttimes as temperatures rise .
In conclusion , grow moolah in Zone 12 , while challenge due to the warm climate , can be a rewarding experience with heedful preparation and attending . By timing your planting and harvesting strategically , you’re able to love fresh , homegrown lettuce throughout much of the year .
