Lettuce seedling raising method and time

Lettuce prefers cool climatic conditions and its seedlings can withstand low temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. For germination of lettuce seeds , a temperature range of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius is ideal. The growth cycle of lettuce is relatively short, taking about 40 days from sowing to harvesting. Under such temperature and time conditions, lettuce can grow healthily, form delicious leaves, and become a common vegetable on people's tables. Let’s learn about the method and time of growing lettuce seedlings.

1. Seedling raising time

Lettuce can be grown in all seasons, but the best time to start seedlings is usually from February to April in the spring, and in August in the fall. Spring seedlings can be harvested in May-June, while autumn seedlings can be harvested in September-October. The specific time needs to be adjusted according to local climatic conditions and variety characteristics.

In most cases, the growing cycle for lettuce from sowing to harvest is approximately 60 to 90 days, depending on the variety planted and the growing conditions. In areas with suitable climates, experienced growers can harvest lettuce within 30 to 70 days after transplanting.

2. Seedling cultivation method

Seed selection: Choose the appropriate lettuce variety according to the planting purpose and season. For example, greenhouse cultivation usually focuses on head lettuce, and medium- and late-maturing varieties with strong cold resistance can be selected.

Seed treatment: Lettuce seeds are small and require good conditions for germination. The seeds can be soaked in 30℃ warm water for 2 to 3 hours, and then placed in a humid environment, such as in a refrigerator at 4 to 6℃ for a day and night to promote germination.

Seedbed preparation: Choose fertile sandy loam with good water and fertilizer retention properties as the seedbed. The soil in the seedbed should be finely broken and leveled, and an appropriate amount of decomposed farmyard manure and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied per square meter, and sufficient water should be poured before sowing.

Sowing: Mix the treated seeds with a small amount of fine moist soil evenly and sow them. Cover them with 3 to 5 mm thick fine soil after sowing. After sowing in winter, cover with film to increase temperature and retain moisture; after sowing in summer, cover with shade net or straw to retain moisture and reduce temperature.

Seedling management: The age of seedlings varies according to the season. Generally, the seedling period in spring and summer is 25 to 30 days, and in autumn and winter it is 30 to 40 days. The temperature during the seedling stage is controlled at 16-20℃ during the day and around 10℃ at night.

Transplanting: Transplant the seedlings when they have 2 to 3 true leaves. You can use nutrient pots or seedling beds. Water the seedlings in time after transplanting.

Transplanting: After the seedlings are transplanted, the soil should be kept moist and watered twice to help the seedlings grow slowly. After that, fertilizer and water should be controlled appropriately to facilitate rooting and seedling growth.

Pest and disease control: Pay attention to the prevention and control of common diseases of lettuce such as soft rot and pests such as aphids, and use appropriate pesticides for prevention and control.

In general, the seedling raising method and time of lettuce are determined according to its growth habits and requirements for environmental conditions. Everyone should see in which season the crops will be put on the market and sow and raise seedlings in advance.