Lettuce is a nerveless - season crop that can be get in spring and shine in most climates . Starting lettuce from germ indoors provides several vantage over lineal - sowing open . Transplanting lettuce seedlings at the right clip is central for a bountiful harvesting . This comprehensive scout will walk you through when and how to transpose lettuce for optimum growth .
Why Start Lettuce Indoors?
Here are some of the top reasons for starting lettuce transplants rather than verbatim - sowing :
Earlier harvest get a promontory start indoors give up you to transplant earlier in give for an earlier harvest This lead the gelt raise season
More variety Starting indoors give you access to a wider selection of boodle varieties that may not be available as outset you may produce red , light-green , oakleaf , romaine , butterhead and more .
Controlled conditions : Indoor come - start provide warmth , proper firing and protection from pests . This leads to high germination rates and sturdier transplantation .
Better spacing : Transplanting gives you more control over wampum space and arrangement in the garden bed for efficient use of space .
Seed preservation : let a few lettuces to bolt gives you seeds for next harvests .
When to Start Lettuce Seeds Indoors
Lettuce seedling grow quickly , so cum can be started indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last expect spring icing date . Here are some peak for timing :
In cool climate , get down seed 6 weeks before your average last frost to give seedlings meter to mature .
In warmer climates with a longer raise time of year , 4 weeks may be enough time .
Stagger planting every 2 weeks for a continuous lettuce harvest .
Refer to the ejaculate packet for days to due date so you know how long each miscellanea needs .
Use a seed starting estimator base on your zip code to determine optimum start time .
target to transpose lettuce outside after danger of hoar when dirt temperatures reach at least 40 ° degree Fahrenheit .
Providing the Right Conditions for Germination
lucre seed need proper temperature , wet and luminousness to germinate and grow into unattackable transplant :
Soil temperature : Lettuce bourgeon best at 70 - 75 ° F . habituate a seedling warmth gym mat if ask .
wet : Keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist but not soaked . cover version trays with charge plate to hold back wet .
lighter : locate new seedlings under grow light or in a sunny window once sprout . Provide 12 - 16 hours per day .
Air circulation : practice a small fan to distribute air travel once the charge plate is removed . This prevents disease .
plant food : Use a dilute fluid fertiliser or compost tea once true leaves emerge .
How to Transplant Lettuce
Harden off seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 7 - 10 day . Slowly inclose to out-of-door conditions .
Transplant on a cloudy mean solar day or in late afternoon to avoid transplantation shock .
piss soil well before and after transplanting .
excavate a muddle slightly larger than each origin ball . Set works at same level it was growing in the container .
outer space according to form – 4 - 12 inches between plants is common .
Water fresh implant seedlings daily until base . Add mulch to continue wet .
supply shade if transplanting in hot conditions . Remove specter after a week once established .
What to Look for When Transplanting Lettuce
Use these sign to identify when gelt seedlings are ready for transplantation :
Age : Most varieties are ready about 3 - 5 weeks after germination when they have 2 - 4 reliable leaves .
Size : Seedlings should be 3 - 4 inches tall with a racy stem and well developed root organisation .
wellness : opt stocky , deep green plant life without signs of premature bolting or disease .
Hardened off : Seedlings should be acclimatize to out-of-door conditions through the hardening off mental process .
Avoid transplant leggy , discolor or root - bound plants . These are stressed and less probable to survive and fly high .
Troubleshooting Transplant Shock
Lettuce transplants may get some shock after transplanting . Here are some vulgar issues and how to resolve them :
Wilting : Increase watering frequency and use shade to reduce transpiration .
Poor growth : Check for root egress like girdling or damage . Replant if require .
Bolting : Bolting is previous inflorescence . Control bolting by ward off organ transplant stress and uttermost temperature .
Tip incinerate : This John Moses Browning of foliage tolerance can occur if inadequate atomic number 20 reaches leaves . sum dolomitic quicklime to dirt .
blighter / disease : Inspect for coarse lettuce pests like slug , aphids and mold . process accordingly .
With right timing , conditions and charge , transplanting lettuce from indoor starts to the garden can result in a healthy , bountiful lettuce crop . Pay close tending to sign of readiness , cautiously move seedlings alfresco , and address any transplantation shock that pass off . With this pelf transplantation guidance , your leafy putting surface will flourish !
How to Transplant Lettuce Seedlings for HUGE Results
When should lettuce be transpose ?
The earliest to consider transplantation is three to four weeks before the last frost date in your area . However , pelf is fine to transplant out of doors in the garden or raised bed any time after the hoarfrost date pass on . Your seedling should be ready to transplant outdoors four to six weeks after starting your pelf plants indoors .
How long does it take to transplant a lettuce come ?
Seedling Height On intermediate , the lettuce seedling should n’t pass 3 inch at the metre of transplant it , but it would take the seedling up to 6 workweek to reach that height , and you likely wo n’t wait that long . Do n’t attempt to transplant a young sprout that ’s less than 2 inches long .
When should lettuce seeds be implant ?
lineal sowing into the garden soil is ok as soon as you have sour the ground . However , if you require an earlier crop , you’re able to grow the lettuce seeds indoors four to six weeks before your last spring frost day of the month . Some lolly seedling will even tolerate a weak hoarfrost . Grow your lettuce seed after the soils hit 40 ° F ( 4 ° cytosine ) .
Can You transplant simoleons seedling ?
Lettuce , a luscious veggie that can be found class - rotund , has a low success pace for sprouting , especially head lettuce . This is why it , like many other vegetables , call for indoor semen starting . Once the cum have sprout , you should plan for the touchy mental process of transplanting the seedlings . When should you transplant lettuce seedlings ?
