The transplanting of lettuce seedlings can be done when they have 4 to 6 leaves. In hot climate regions, transplant preferably on cool, cloudy and rainy days, or in the late afternoon with the soil already well moist, as the lettuce seedlings can die if the transplant occurs when the weather is hot and dry.
The spacing between plants can be 20 to 35 cm for most varieties.
Lettuce can be grown in pots and is also one of the most cultivated vegetables in hydroponic systems.
Caring for lettuce
Heavy rains and hail can greatly damage the fragile leaves of lettuce. If your region is subject to these conditions, you can build a plastic protection over the plantation.
Remove weeds that are competing for nutrients with lettuce.
Lettuces are very conducive to attracting snails. Keep them at a distance as they will eat the tender lettuce leaves during wet nights.
Harvest
You can harvest lettuce about 60 days after sowing depending on the variety planted and the growing conditions. In many of the varieties, the plant may re-sprout after cutting the head, thus generating a new crop after a few weeks. To do this, cut the plant about 2.5 cm above the ground, allowing a small piece of the stem to remain where the new leaves will appear.
Medicinal properties
In popular culture, lettuce stems tea is widely known as soothing.
Lettuce also has laxative properties (leaf tea and stems), diuretic and anti allergic (juice).
