Lettuce is a live and hearty crop that ’s a favorite in many plate garden . However , in USDA Hardiness Zone 11 , which includes the southernmost part of Florida and Hawaii in the United States , growing lettuce demand strategical planning due to the area ’s warm temperature throughout the year . This article will provide an in - deepness guide on when to start seeded player , when to implant outdoors , and when to harvest lucre in Zone 11 .
Understanding Zone 11
In Zone 11 , the clime is tropic , and the mediocre lowest wintertime temperature is above 40 degree Fahrenheit ( 4 arcdegree Celsius ) . The develop time of year is class - round , but the challenge dwell in managing the high-pitched temperatures and often mellow humidity , which cool - weather condition crops like lettuce do not prefer .
Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors
In Zone 11 , start up sugar seeds indoors is a executable choice that allow you to control the initial growing conditions of your plants . As simoleons choose coolheaded temperatures , starting seminal fluid indoors between September and March will provide them to base before being act alfresco during the cooler month .
employ a semen tray or little passel with a high-pitched - quality seed start up intermixture . Plant the seeds about 1/4 column inch deep and gently irrigate them . The soil should be retain consistently moist , but not waterlogged , as too much water can lead to rotting seeds .
The seed tray should be placed in a location with a temperature of about 60 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 degree Celsius ) . Once sprouted , the seedling require ample sparkle for around 12 - 14 hours each day . This can be achieved through a south - facing windowpane or with the aid of a grow light .
When To Plant Lettuce In Zone 11
Outdoor planting of dinero in Zone 11 should occur during the cooler months , typically from late October through February , when daytime temperatures are consistently below 75 degrees Fahrenheit ( 24 degrees Celsius ) .
graft your seedling or sow your seeds direct into your garden , ensuring the sphere has honest sunlight but also some aegis from the hot afternoon sun . Lettuce plant should be spaced about 8 to 12 inch apart , and the territory should be kept consistently moist . Mulching can be beneficial to keep on soil moisture and suppress weeds .
Succession Planting
Succession planting with shekels involves seed small hatful of seeds at regular intervals to secure a continuous harvest throughout the farm season . This method allows you to enjoy a steady supply of fresh lettuce without experiencing a nimiety or shortfall all at once . Here ’s a stair - by - footstep guidebook on how to do succession constitute with lucre :
By follow this chronological sequence planting method acting , you’re able to enjoy a continuous supply of refreshful lettuce throughout the spring up time of year , control a unbendable harvest of this yummy and alimental leafy green .
When to Harvest
Lettuce can be harvested at any full point in its growth , but the timing will calculate on the case of loot and personal predilection . For leaf dough , harvest home can begin as shortly as the leaves are with child enough to eat , typically around 4 - 5 weeks after plant . you’re able to either pick individual folio or cut the intact works at the fundament to potentially promote regrowth .
For head lettuce kind like berg or cos lettuce , harvest generally occurs around 60 to 70 day after found when the heads are stiff and full . Cut the head at the base of the plant to harvest .
Bear in judgement that wampum can run off , or go to seed , in gamy temperature , resulting in bitter leaves . To forestall this , reap your bread during the cooler parts of the day and more frequently as temperatures rear .
In end , growing lettuce in Zone 11 can be a rewarding experience despite the challenges of the warmer climate . With deliberate timing of your planting and harvesting and attentive tutelage to your industrial plant , you could savor overbold , homegrown lettuce during much of the year .
