AGRILABH ROMAINE LETTUCE

Romaine or cos lettuce is a variety of lettuce that grows in a tall head of sturdy dark green leaves with firm ribs down their centers.When sowing seeds directly into the soil, you should plant approximately 10 seeds per foot. Space your rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin leaf lettuce seedlings to 4 inches apart. Romaine and butterhead lettuce seedlings require 6 to 8 inches between each plant.

1. Seed Starting: Start Romaine lettuce seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant seeds in seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix, covering them lightly with soil.
2. Light and Temperature: Place the seed trays in a sunny location or under grow lights. Romaine lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the seedlings gently, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out or become soggy.
4. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden. Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
5. Spacing: Plant Romaine lettuce seedlings about 8-12 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Ensure proper air circulation to prevent diseases.
6. Soil: Romaine lettuce grows best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting.
7. Fertilization: Side dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
8. Watering: Water Romaine lettuce regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
9. Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area around the lettuce plants free from weeds, as they can compete for nutrients and water. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
10. Harvesting: Romaine lettuce can be harvested when the heads reach the desired size, typically around 8-10 inches tall. Cut the heads at the base, leaving the outer leaves to continue growing for a later harvest.

FAQ

What nutrients does Romaine lettuce provide?
Romaine lettuce is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber.

How often should you water Romaine lettuce?
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, about 1-2 inches per week.

Can Romaine lettuce be grown in containers?
Yes, it can be grown in containers with adequate depth and drainage.

What temperature is ideal for growing Romaine lettuce?
Ideal temperatures range from 60-70°F (15-21°C).

How do you harvest Romaine lettuce?
Harvest by cutting the outer leaves or the whole head at the base when mature.