Profile

cutting lettuceLactuca sativa var. crispa

Cutting lettuce is a popular and easy-to-grow vegetable variety, characterized by its fast-growing, loose leaf rosettes. It is ideal for cultivation in the garden, on the balcony, or even on the windowsill. Through regular sowings, you can harvest fresh leaves over a long period. Cutting lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals and a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

cutting lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa): plant portrait for plant portrait - Vegetables, Aster family, Harvest April
cutting lettuce: plant portrait. harvest: April - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Planting

April - September

Harvest

April - October

Water

high

Good neighbors

RadishCarrotsOnionsStrawberries

Growing data

cutting lettuce Growing data

Seed depth

0.5 - 1 cm

Plant spacing

15 - 25 cm

Row spacing

20 - 30 cm

Germination temp

15 - 20 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp15 - 20 °C
Germination time5 - 10 days
Seed viability2 - 3 years
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedYes

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing15 - 25 cm
Row spacing20 - 30 cm
Plants per m²16 - 25 per m²
Bed widthfrom 30 cm
Spacing4 plants per square

Temperature and site

Soil temperature10 - 18 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C
Optimal temperature15 - 22 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveNo
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancemedium

Water, nutrients and care

Waterhigh
Critical water phasesGermination, Growth
Watering methodBewässerung an der Basis
Droughthigh
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 5 l; Recommended: from 10 l; Diameter: from 20 cm; Depth: from 15 cm
SupportNo
Height15 - 30 cm
Width15 - 30 cm
Yield50 - 150 g

Year plan

cutting lettuce Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

February - September

Sow from February on the windowsill or in the greenhouse. Later sowing in the open field is also possible.

Direct sowing

March - August

Direct sowing into the open field from April to August. For continuous harvest, several sowings at 2-3 week intervals are recommended.

Planting

April - September

Pre-cultivated young plants can be planted outdoors from April, once the risk of frost has passed. Ensure adequate spacing.

Harvest

April - October

Harvest begins from April/May, depending on sowing time. Leaves can be harvested continuously from the outside in. With later sowing, harvest continues into autumn.

Year plan
  1. Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation
  2. Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation
  3. First sowings in the open field possible, depending on weather
  4. Planting out pre-cultivated young plants into the open field
  5. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest
  6. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest
  7. Water regularly and check for pests
  8. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest
  9. Ensure adequate watering during heat
  10. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest
  11. Ensure adequate watering during heat
  12. Last sowings in the open field for a late harvest
  13. Harvest of late sowings
  14. Provide protection from strong sunlight if needed
  15. Continuous harvest until the first frost

Growing

cutting lettuce Site, soil and care

Spacing

15 - 25 cm

Storage

Fresh consumption, Short-term storage in the refrigerator

  • For continuous harvest throughout the summer, sow a small amount every 2-3 weeks.
  • Ensure consistent watering to avoid bitter taste.
  • During hot weather, partial shade or light shading can help delay bolting.
  • Harvest the outer leaves so the plant can continue to grow.
  • Cutting lettuce is well-suited for growing in pots and window boxes.

Pruning

cutting lettuce Pruning

Goal

not_applicable

Tools and hygiene

Clean tools are important for all plants to prevent disease transmission.

Companion guide

cutting lettuce Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

RadishCarrotsOnionsStrawberries

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Small, sucking insects that colonize leaves and stems, feeding on plant sap. They can cause yellowing, growth disorders, and transmit viruses.

Slugs (especially young plants)

Naked slugs eat holes in the leaves; young plants are particularly vulnerable. They are nocturnal and leave slimy trails.

Leaf miners

The larvae of leaf miners tunnel within the leaves, creating serpentine galleries. This weakens the plant and reduces yield.

Diseases

Downy mildew

Fungal disease characterized by yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and a grayish-brown to purplish spore growth on the underside. Often occurs in humid weather.

Root rot

Caused by various fungi and bacteria, often due to waterlogging. Leads to wilting, yellowing, and eventual plant death.

Bolting (premature flowering)

Lettuce plants prematurely form flower stalks, especially under stress conditions like heat, drought, or nutrient deficiency. The leaves then become bitter and unpalatable.

Deficiencies

Calcium deficiency

Leads to growth disorders, especially at young leaves and shoot tips. Leaf margins may become wilted or necrotic.

Magnesium deficiency

Manifests as chlorosis (yellowing) between the leaf veins, while the veins themselves remain green. Often affects older leaves first.

Plant health

FAQ

When is the best time to sow cutting lettuce?

Cutting lettuce can be sown from spring to late summer. For an early harvest, sow in the greenhouse or on the windowsill from February, and in the open field from April. Regular sowings every 2-3 weeks ensure continuous harvest.

Why is my cutting lettuce bolting?

Bolting is usually triggered by heat, drought, or nutrient deficiency. Choose bolt-resistant varieties, ensure consistent watering, and provide partial shade during extreme heat if necessary.

How do I harvest cutting lettuce correctly?

Harvest the outer leaves from the outside inwards, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This enables multiple harvests from the same plant. Alternatively, you can cut the entire plant about 1-2 cm above the ground, which often leads to regrowth.

Can I grow cutting lettuce in a pot?

Yes, cutting lettuce is very suitable for growing in pots, window boxes, or other containers. Ensure sufficient depth and good drainage. Regular watering is important, as soil in containers dries out faster.

Related plants

Sunflower

Same family

Both belong to the Asteraceae family.

Dandelion

Same family

Both belong to the Asteraceae family.

Butterhead lettuce

Same crop group

Both are lettuces and belong to the species Lactuca sativa.

Romaine lettuce

Same crop group

Both are lettuces and belong to the species Lactuca sativa.

Downy mildew

Shared diseases

Commonly occurs in lettuces, especially in humid weather.

Root rot

Shared diseases

Can occur with waterlogging, which is problematic for lettuces.

Spinach

Similar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Both require moderate nitrogen for good leaf growth.

Both prefer consistent moisture and are sensitive to drought.

Swiss Chard

Similar nutrient needs

Both require moderate nitrogen for good leaf growth.

Radish

Similar water needs

Both require consistent moisture for fast growth and good quality.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-15

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-15

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Schnittsalat

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

  4. Trefle API - Lactuca sativa

    Trefle · 2026-05-15

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

cutting lettuce

Plural

cutting lettuces

BotanicalLactuca sativa var. crispa
Botanical authorL.
Synonyms
  1. Lactuca sativa crispa
Common synonyms
  1. Cutting lettuce
  2. Leaf lettuce
  3. Loose-leaf lettuce
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. cutting lettuce
  2. Cutting lettuce
  3. Leaf lettuce
  4. Loose-leaf lettuce
  5. Lollo rosso
  6. Lollo bianco
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. Tracheophytes
  2. Angiosperms
  3. Eudicots
  4. Asterids
OrderAsterales
Family botanicalAsteraceae
Family

Aster family

Family idasteraceae
GenusLactuca
SpeciesLactuca sativa
Botanical varietycrispa
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Related crops
  1. kopfsalat
  2. romanasalat
  3. bataviasalat
Classification
Main groupGemüse
Sub groupBlattgemüse
Crop groupSalate
Life cycleEinjährig
Perennialno
Woodyno
Treeno
Shrubno
Edible parts
  1. Leaves
Nutrient groupGemüse
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Months
  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 4
  4. 5
  5. 6
  6. 7
  7. 8
  8. 9
Earliest month2
Latest month9
Notes

Sow from February on the windowsill or in the greenhouse. Later sowing in the open field is also possible.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 5
  4. 6
  5. 7
  6. 8
Earliest month3
Latest month8
Notes

Direct sowing into the open field from April to August. For continuous harvest, several sowings at 2-3 week intervals are recommended.

Planting out
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 8
  6. 9
Earliest month4
Latest month9
Notes

Pre-cultivated young plants can be planted outdoors from April, once the risk of frost has passed. Ensure adequate spacing.

Harvest
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 8
  6. 9
  7. 10
Earliest month4
Latest month10
Notes

Harvest begins from April/May, depending on sowing time. Leaves can be harvested continuously from the outside in. With later sowing, harvest continues into autumn.

Month tasks
2
  1. Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

3
  1. Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

  2. First sowings in the open field possible, depending on weather

4
  1. Planting out pre-cultivated young plants into the open field

  2. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

5
  1. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

  2. Water regularly and check for pests

6
  1. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

  2. Ensure adequate watering during heat

7
  1. Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

  2. Ensure adequate watering during heat

8
  1. Last sowings in the open field for a late harvest

9
  1. Harvest of late sowings

  2. Provide protection from strong sunlight if needed

10
  1. Continuous harvest until the first frost

Month tasks structured
2
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 2
    Conditionindoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Start of sowing for early harvests.

3
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionindoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of pre-cultivation.

  2. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    First sowings in the open field possible, depending on weather

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Early sowing if the soil is workable.

4
  1. TaskPlanting out
    Label

    Planting out pre-cultivated young plants into the open field

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    After the last frosts.

  2. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regular sowing every 2-3 weeks for replenishment.

5
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Water regularly and check for pests

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Lettuce requires consistent moisture.

6
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering during heat

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Heat can promote bolting and affect flavor.

7
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering during heat

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Heat can promote bolting and affect flavor.

8
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Last sowings in the open field for a late harvest

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sowing for autumn harvest.

9
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Harvest of late sowings

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Start of autumn harvest.

  2. TaskProtection
    Label

    Provide protection from strong sunlight if needed

    Prioritylow
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Can help delay bolting.

10
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Continuous harvest until the first frost

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest as long as temperatures are mild.

Book content
Overview

Cutting lettuce is a popular and easy-to-grow vegetable variety, characterized by its fast-growing, loose leaf rosettes. It is ideal for cultivation in the garden, on the balcony, or even on the windowsill. Through regular sowings, you can harvest fresh leaves over a long period. Cutting lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals and a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Structured month tasks
2
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 2
    Conditionindoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Start of sowing for early harvests.

3
  1. TaskSowing indoors
    Label

    Sowing in the greenhouse or on the windowsill for pre-cultivation

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionindoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of pre-cultivation.

  2. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    First sowings in the open field possible, depending on weather

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 3
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Early sowing if the soil is workable.

4
  1. TaskPlanting out
    Label

    Planting out pre-cultivated young plants into the open field

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    After the last frosts.

  2. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regular sowing every 2-3 weeks for replenishment.

5
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Water regularly and check for pests

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 5
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Lettuce requires consistent moisture.

6
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering during heat

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Heat can promote bolting and affect flavor.

7
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Sowing in the open field for continuous harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Continuation of regular sowing.

  2. TaskWatering
    Label

    Ensure adequate watering during heat

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Heat can promote bolting and affect flavor.

8
  1. TaskSowing outdoors
    Label

    Last sowings in the open field for a late harvest

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 8
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sowing for autumn harvest.

9
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Harvest of late sowings

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Start of autumn harvest.

  2. TaskProtection
    Label

    Provide protection from strong sunlight if needed

    Prioritylow
    Months
    1. 9
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Can help delay bolting.

10
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Continuous harvest until the first frost

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    Conditionoutdoors
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest as long as temperatures are mild.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.0.5
Seed depth cm max.1
Light germinatorno
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.15
Germination temperature c max.20
Germination days min.5
Germination days max.10
Seed lifespan years min.2
Seed lifespan years max.3
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedyes
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.15
Plant spacing cm max.25
Row spacing cm min.20
Row spacing cm max.30
Recommended density per sqm min.16
Recommended density per sqm max.25
Thinning distance5 cm
Min. bed width30 cm
Square foot gardening spacing4 plants per square
Spacing notes

Denser planting results in smaller leaves, wider spacing in larger leaves.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.15
Height cm max.30
Width cm min.15
Width cm max.30
Growth speedfast
Final size notes

Grows quickly and forms loose leaf rosettes.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature5 °C
Optimal temperature c min.15
Optimal temperature c max.22
Max. heat tolerance28 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.10
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal18
Frost sensitiveno
Late frost sensitiveno
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancemedium
Temperature notes

Prefers cooler weather but can tolerate higher temperatures with sufficient moisture. High temperatures promote bolting.

Water
Water needhigh
Critical water phases
  1. Germination
  2. Growth
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivityhigh
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent soil moisture is crucial for tender, non-bitter leaves. Avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Heavy feederno
Medium feederyes
Light feederno
Nitrogen needmedium
Phosphorus needlow
Potassium needlow
Calcium needlow
Magnesium needlow
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

Requires moderate nutrients, especially nitrogen for leaf growth. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Container
Container suitableyes
Min. pot volume5 l
Recommended pot volume10 l
Min. pot depth15 cm
Min. pot diameter20 cm
Plants per container min.1
Plants per container max.3
Drainage requiredyes
Repotting neededno
Container notes

Suitable for window boxes and pots. Water regularly as soil in containers dries out faster.

Support
Needs supportno
Support recommendedno
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedno
Training requiredno
Support notes

No support structures required.

Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableyes
Balcony suitableyes
Greenhouse suitableyes
Polytunnel suitableyes
Indoor suitableyes
Windowsill suitableyes
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.50
Yield per plant max.150
Yield unitg
Yield per sqm min.500
Yield per sqm max.1500
Yield reliabilitymedium
Yield notes

Yields vary depending on variety, growing conditions, and harvesting method. Multiple cuts are possible.

Site
Location

Sunny to partial shade

Exposure

Sheltered from wind

Notes

A full sun location promotes fast growth but can lead to bolting in heat. Partial shade is often beneficial, especially in summer.

Soil
Type

Humus-rich, loose, fertile, and well-draining

PH range
Min.6
Max.7
Notes

Lettuce prefers fine, consistently moist soil. Improve heavy soils beforehand.

Watering
Frequency

Regularly, keep soil moist

Method

Directly at the root, avoid wetting leaves

Notes

Consistent moisture is important to prevent bitterness and spiciness. Drought causes plants to bolt.

Nutrition
Fertilization

Moderate, especially nitrogen for leaf growth. Compost or organic fertilizers are well-suited.

Notes

Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen in the late growth phase, as this can affect shelf life.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleyes
Interval days min.14
Interval days max.21
Bed planning notes

Can be well-cultivated in mixed plantings with radishes, carrots, or onions. Do not plant next to parsley.

Rotation prioritymedium
Interplanting potentialhigh
Mechanization relevancelow
Crop rotation
Notes

Cutting lettuce belongs to the Asteraceae family. Good crop rotation is achieved after brassicas, root vegetables, or legumes. Do not plant directly after other lettuces or composites.

Prioritymedium
Suitable after
  1. kohl
  2. wurzelgemuese
  3. huelsenfruechte
Unsuitable after
  1. salate
  2. korbbluetler
Deficiencies
Calcium deficiency
Slugcalcium_deficiency
Name

Calcium deficiency

Description

Leads to growth disorders, especially at young leaves and shoot tips. Leaf margins may become wilted or necrotic.

Symptoms
  1. Distorted young leaves
  2. Wilted or brown leaf margins
  3. Stunted growth
Management
Organic
  1. Boden mit Kalk oder Gesteinsmehl verbessern
  2. Ausreichende Bewässerung sicherstellen (Kalziumaufnahme ist wasserabhängig)
  3. Vermeidung von überschüssigem Kalium oder Magnesium
Notes

A balanced nutrient ratio is important.

Magnesium deficiency
Slugmagnesium_deficiency
Name

Magnesium deficiency

Description

Manifests as chlorosis (yellowing) between the leaf veins, while the veins themselves remain green. Often affects older leaves first.

Symptoms
  1. Yellowing between leaf veins (intercostal chlorosis)
  2. Veins remain green
  3. May start on older leaves
Management
Organic
  1. Anwendung von Bittersalz (Magnesiumsulfat)
  2. Bodenverbesserung mit magnesiumhaltigen Materialien (z.B. Gesteinsmehl)
  3. Vermeidung von überschüssigem Kalium
Notes

Epsom salt can be applied as a foliar spray.

Problems
Bolting
Slugbolting
Name

Bolting (Premature flowering)

Description

Lettuce plants prematurely form flower stalks, especially under stress conditions like heat, drought, or nutrient deficiency. The leaves then become bitter and unpalatable.

Symptoms
  1. Formation of a flower stalk
  2. Bitter taste of leaves
  3. Reduced leaf size
Management
Organic
  1. Sortenwahl: Hitzetolerante oder schossfeste Sorten verwenden
  2. Gleichmäßige Bewässerung sicherstellen
  3. Mulchen zur Kühlung des Bodens und Feuchtigkeitsspeicherung
  4. Pflanzen nicht zu dicht setzen
  5. Bei Hitze für Halbschatten sorgen
Notes

Bolting is a natural response to stress and cannot always be prevented, but can be minimized through good cultivation practices.

Bitterness
Slugbitterness
Name

Bitter taste

Description

Can be caused by stress factors such as heat, drought, nutrient deficiency, or late harvesting. Lactucopicrin is the main cause of bitterness.

Symptoms
  1. Distinctly bitter taste of leaves
Management
Organic
  1. Gleichmäßige Bewässerung
  2. Ausreichende Nährstoffversorgung, besonders Stickstoff
  3. Ernte bei kühleren Temperaturen (morgens)
  4. Schossfeste Sorten wählen
  5. Bei Hitze für Halbschatten sorgen
Notes

Younger leaves are often less bitter than older ones.

Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Sucking pests (aphids)
  2. Chewing pests (slugs, caterpillars)
  3. Miners (leaf miners)
Common disease groups
  1. Fungal diseases (downy mildew, root rot)
  2. Physiological disorders (bolting)
Prevention principles
  1. Observe crop rotation
  2. Site selection: Sun to partial shade, sheltered from wind
  3. Soil improvement: Humus-rich, loose, well-draining
  4. Consistent watering, avoid waterlogging
  5. Balanced nutrient supply
  6. Variety selection: Resistant and bolt-resistant varieties
  7. Good garden hygiene
  8. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases
  9. Encourage beneficial insects
Diagnosis notes

Diagnosis of problems in cutting lettuce is based on observing symptoms such as leaf discoloration, feeding damage, wilting, or premature flowering. Distinguishing between pests, diseases, and physiological disorders is important for correct treatment.

Disease graph
Scopeplant_disease
Profiles
  1. Slugdowny_mildew
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. High humidity
    2. Moderate temperatures
    3. Poor ventilation
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    Prevention
    1. Good ventilation
    2. Keep soil moist but not wet
    3. Resistant varieties
    Organic control
    1. Remove affected leaves
    2. Plant strengtheners (horsetail)
  2. Slugroot_rot
    Severityhigh
    Conditions
    1. Waterlogging
    2. Heavy soils
    3. Cool temperatures
    Affected parts
    1. Roots
    2. Entire plant
    Prevention
    1. Well-draining soil
    2. Avoid waterlogging
    3. Proper watering
    Organic control
    1. Soil improvement
    2. Improve drainage
  3. Slugbolting
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. High temperatures
    2. Drought
    3. Nutrient stress
    Affected parts
    1. Flower stalk
    2. Leaves
    Prevention
    1. Consistent watering
    2. Mulching
    3. Partial shade during heat
    4. Bolt-resistant varieties
    Organic control
    1. Harvest prematurely
    2. Use bolt-resistant varieties
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Yellowish spots on leaves with grayish-brown growth on the underside

    Possible causes
    1. downy_mildew
    First checks
    1. Check humidity
    2. Improve ventilation
    3. Examine affected leaves
  2. Symptom

    Wilting of the plant despite moist soil, rotten roots

    Possible causes
    1. root_rot
    First checks
    1. Check soil for waterlogging
    2. Examine roots
  3. Symptom

    Premature flowering, bitter leaves

    Possible causes
    1. bolting
    First checks
    1. Check temperature and water supply
    2. Identify variety
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Create optimal site and soil conditions.
  2. Ensure even water supply and avoid waterlogging.
  3. Balanced fertilization, avoid overfertilization.
  4. Fruchtfolge einhalten.
  5. Choose resistant and bolt-resistant varieties.
  6. Maintain plant spacing for good ventilation.
Monitoring
  1. Regularly inspect plants for pests and disease symptoms.
  2. Pay particular attention to aphids, slugs, and fungal infection.
  3. Wetterbedingungen beobachten (Hitze, Trockenheit, Feuchtigkeit).
Organic first response
  1. For pest infestation: encourage beneficial insects, use mechanical control (hand-picking), and biological sprays (rapeseed oil, potassium soap).
  2. For fungal infection: remove infected parts and use plant-strengthening agents.
  3. For physiological problems (bolting, bitterness): optimize growing conditions (water, temperature, variety choice).
Notes

Prevention is key to healthy cutting lettuce cultivation. Good cultural practices minimize problems.

Diagnosis
Notes

Diagnosing problems in cutting lettuce requires careful observation of symptoms and consideration of growing conditions. Misidentification is possible, e.g., between nutrient deficiencies and diseases. Early detection is crucial for successful countermeasures.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Germination
  2. Growth (leaves)
  3. Harvest
  4. Bolting (under stress)
Notes

The vegetation period is short. The plant grows quickly and is designed for continuous harvesting. Bolting can occur rapidly under heat or drought stress.

Harvest
  1. Leaves
  2. Young shoots
Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Continuous, as needed

Harvest indicators
  1. Leaf size reaches desired dimension
  2. Young, tender leaves are optimal
Post harvest handling

Store harvested leaves cool immediately. Do not wash until use, keep dry to prevent spoilage. Handle gently to avoid bruising.

Storage
  1. Fresh consumption
  2. Short-term storage in the refrigerator
Storage details
General storage category

Fresh vegetable

Storage life

2-4 days in the refrigerator

Processing options
  1. Raw salads
  2. Garnish
Kitchen usage

Cutting lettuce is mainly used raw in salads, as a side dish, or for garnish. The leaves are tender and have a mild flavor. They can also be briefly cooked in warm dishes but should not be heated for too long to preserve their freshness.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Leaves
Inedible or caution parts
Toxicity notes

All parts of cutting lettuce are edible and non-toxic. If the plant bolts prematurely, the leaves may become bitter, but this is not a health concern.

Raw consumption

Yes, the leaves are intended for raw consumption.

Seed saving
  1. Seeds can be harvested from mature plants if they are not harvested and allowed to flower.
  2. It is important to use isolated plants to avoid cross-contamination with other lettuce varieties.
Seed saving advanced
Isolation distance5 m
Seed maturity notes

The seed heads mature unevenly. Seeds are ripe when they are brown and dry, and detach easily from the seed heads. The entire plant is harvested and dried.

Seed cleaning storage

The dried seed heads are shaken or rubbed over a surface to release the seeds. Subsequently, the seeds are cleaned by sieving and winnowing. Store dry and cool.

Notes

Cutting lettuce is self-pollinating, but an isolation distance of at least 5 meters from other lettuce varieties is recommended to obtain pure seeds. For larger cultivation areas, greater distances (up to 100m) are advisable.

Woody crop details
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancenot_applicable
Notes

Cutting lettuce is not a woody plant and does not require specific woody details.

Ecology
Pollinator valuelow
Wildlife valuelow
Biodiversity notes

Although cutting lettuce itself does not have high ecological significance, cultivation in mixed plantings and the promotion of beneficial insects can contribute to local biodiversity. The flowers provide a late food source for some insects.

Practical notes
  1. For continuous harvest throughout the summer, sow a small amount every 2-3 weeks.
  2. Ensure consistent watering to avoid bitter taste.
  3. During hot weather, partial shade or light shading can help delay bolting.
  4. Harvest the outer leaves so the plant can continue to grow.
  5. Cutting lettuce is well-suited for growing in pots and window boxes.
Seasonal content
Spring
Title

Spring Freshness: Sowing and Caring for Cutting Lettuce

Content

Spring is the ideal time to start growing cutting lettuce. From March onwards, you can venture the first sowings into the open field as soon as the soil is workable. Pre-grown plants from the greenhouse or windowsill can be moved to the beds from April.

Summer
Title

Summer Enjoyment: Harvesting Cutting Lettuce and Protecting from Heat

Content

In summer, continuous harvesting is important. Regular watering is crucial to prevent bolting and bitterness. Partial shade can help during extreme heat. Continue sowing every few weeks.

Autumn
Title

Autumn Harvest: Enjoying Cutting Lettuce Until Frost

Content

The last sowings in August provide fresh lettuce well into autumn. Harvesting can continue as long as temperatures remain mild. Watch out for the first frosts.

Winter
Title

Winter Rest: Cutting Lettuce in the Winter Garden or on the Windowsill

Content

Even in winter, you can harvest fresh cutting lettuce by sowing on the windowsill or in a heated greenhouse. Ensure sufficient light.