How much space does head lettuce need?

Allow 10 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows so each head develops fully.

How heavy is one head of lettuce?

Garden-grown head lettuce averages about 0.75 lb per head, varying with variety and growing conditions.

When does head lettuce bolt?

Bolting typically starts when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 80 F, around 65 days if timed correctly for cool weather.

Lettuce (head): Spacing, Yield & Planting Dates

Plant count & yield calculator

Pre-filled for this crop — adjust bed size or pick a different vegetable.

Bed length

Bed width

Crop

Enter bed size to count plants.

Seed starting dates

Pre-filled last frost — change the date to rebuild the full crop schedule. For Lettuce (head) with this frost date : start indoors ~Mar 18, transplant ~Apr 1, direct sow ~Mar 18 .

Pick a last frost date for the schedule.

About lettuce (head)

Head lettuce forms dense, crisp heads prized in salads and sandwiches, performing best in cooler spring and fall shoulder seasons.

Spacing & yield

Lettuce (head) wants 10×12 inches and about 0.75 lb per plant at ~65 days to maturity.

Growing tips

Start transplants indoors 4 weeks before last frost for the earliest spring heads.
Shade cloth extends the harvest window as temperatures climb above 75 F.
Water consistently — uneven moisture causes tipburn on inner leaves.
Harvest entire heads in the morning when cells are turgid and sugars highest.

Common mistakes

Planting in full summer sun without shade, triggering premature bolting.
Spacing too tightly, which produces smaller undersized heads.

Harvest & storage

Cut the whole head at the base when it feels firm and full, around 65 days from transplant.

Wrap loosely in a damp towel and refrigerate; use within 7-10 days.

Companion planting

Good neighbors for lettuce (head): carrots, radish, strawberries, chives. Avoid planting beside: celery, parsley.

Planting calendar

Start indoors about 4 weeks before last frost, then transplant 2 weeks before frost. Direct sow is also an option around 4 weeks before frost. Use the seed-starting calculator above with your real county frost date — the April 15 default is only a worked example (zone 6 style).

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does head lettuce need?: Allow 10 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows so each head develops fully.
How heavy is one head of lettuce?: Garden-grown head lettuce averages about 0.75 lb per head, varying with variety and growing conditions.
When does head lettuce bolt?: Bolting typically starts when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 80 F, around 65 days if timed correctly for cool weather.