Of course, you could also simply grow lettuce indoors, or in containers that can be brought indoors before the first frosts. When it comes to choosing seeds, some varieties are better suited to indoor growing. Look for lettuce varieties that mature in 45 to 55 days. Please keep in mind that a cold frame box will allow you to keep growing but depending on how harsh the winter is, the lettuce may not grow all winter. Seeds will germinate in 7-14 days, depending on the type.   Because you are growing indoors, you will need a pot, a light source (led grow light). Which lettuce variety grows well indoors? them room to grow. Start fertilizing after the first true leaves appear (they are the second pair of leaves that develop). For seedlings, it's best to water from the bottom, using a watering tray. Drop the seeds thinly over the soil. Don't have a sunny window? Ardisia crenata is a beautiful house plant year-round, but its red berries that appear at Christmastime make Ardisia crenata a delightful holiday plant. Lettuces of all varieties prefer cooler growing conditions and many types go to seed (bolt) as soon as temperatures begin to exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Above you will see a photo of my lettuce once it sprouted. Transplant them in separate containers. Give them at least 6 hours in front of a sunny window. I also wonder if some herbs would grow in the cold frame? Loose-leaf and romaine can be harvested anytime the plants are big enough to use. Some good cultivars... Crisphead lettuce forms very tight, spherical heads of leaves. You could also experiment with other cold weather crops such as radish, although I have not personally tried this myself yet. Look for baby or little in the name to ensure a small type suitable for growing indoors. Or buy a mix of lettuce seed specifically chosen for … Growing lettuce indoors allows you to reap a huge variety of fresh, crispy homegrown lettuce year-round. Some upright varieties stay small. Butterhead- Bibb and Boston are examples of this loose-heading type with dark green leaves that are somewhat thicker than those of iceberg lettuce. Some varieties are known to grow well in winter light, such as Arctic King, Winter Marvel and Winter Density. Your seedlings should look green and robust; leggy, yellowed plants are light-starved. Drop the seeds thinly over the soil. Buttercrunch lettuce (butterhead) Butterhead lettuce is light green color, and it has leaves that are … Don't use a heating mat for the seedlings. Wash them well and poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Herbs. fertilizer is good for growing lettuce indoors. Loose leaf lettuce varieties, such as 'Black Seeded Simpson' and 'Tom Thumb', baby spinach varieties, such as 'Catalina', arugula and mesclun mix are some good choices. Baby leaf lettuce varieties tend to be the most tender anyway. Stay up to date on new articles and advice. Hi, i would like to start a commercial hydropoincs set up. It can allow an early start because the pots are brought indoors during light freezes and left outdoors during early spring days. Watch your crop closely because mature lettuce plants go to seed quickly and become bitter-tasting. Small Tomatoes: Patio Each patio tomato plant grows to about 18 inches in height and is … Spinach is very easy to grow indoors under lights. Growing Leafy Greens and Herbs. Baby-sized lettuce reaches maturity in about 4-6 weeks. … LED for 10,000 sqftt would be way too expensive. Growing lettuce in containers makes it easy to bring them inside to grow year round. When the harvest is complete, plant another set of seeds. Place your lettuce plant near a sunny window or a fluorescent grow light. 23 easy to grow vegetables indoors under lights. Fill your containers with three or four inches of moist soil, then sprinkle your lettuce seeds on top, spacing them about an inch apart. Place your containers in a warm location, on a small tray to collect excess water. In about three to four weeks, indoor baby lettuce should be around 4" inches tall and ready to harvest. This helps to prevent fungal diseases such as damping off. Fish emulsion or other organic. It is … They mature faster than romaine and iceberg types, and make fast growth early on. You don't have to waste them. 100 grams of lettuce contains 15 calories, 2 grams of proteins, 0.2 grams of fats and cholesterol free. Romaine Lettuce. Prepare containers which correspond in size to your lettuce stump. The four major classifications of lettuce are butterhead, iceberg, loose-leaf, and romaine. Keep soil moist. Once your tiny plants have their first set of true leaves, start feeding them with a liquid fertilizer, such as Easy Grow Fertilizer. If you're in a climate with very little sun, purchase a grow light from a plant nursery and position it about 12 inches (30 cm) overhead. Best Lettuce Varieties For Indoor Growing Leaf lettuces are traditionally easier to grow than head lettuce varieties (e.g., romaine), and the same is true for indoor growing. Flat, fairly shallow containers with good drainage are ideal. I have a 10,000 sqft building, with no direct sun light. Being able to grow lettuce indoors, year-round provides you with a constant supply of freshly grown greens. The best growth occurs at 60 to 70 degrees. The best lettuce varieties to grow indoors are loose-leaf types, and head lettuces should be avoided. When growing lettuce indoors, in a warm, dry house, they may need watered every couple days. When growing lettuce indoors, in a warm, dry house, they may need watered every couple days. Because lettuce grows well in part shade, you can grow it indoors over the winter in a sunny window. This is probably the most traditional indoor way of growing lettuce. For lettuce, a south-facing window is best. Take a walk through your living space to determine suitable, sunny spots — ideally, a place that gets 12 hours of bright light each day. 'Little Gem' is a popular upright variety. Lettuce will stay fresh for a couple weeks. Lettuce seeds are tiny, and they need light to germinate, so cover the seeds lightly -- never more than 1/4-in (.5 cm) -- with potting medium. you do have control. Lettuce bolts (goes to seed) quickly in hot weather, but because you're growing lettuce indoors, you do have control. Selection of indoor lettuce variety: Although most lettuce variety can stay healthy indoors, you may have higher success with some sorts over others. Lettuce is an annual plant and often grown as a leafy vegetable. than 1/4-in (.5 cm) -- with potting medium. Pick a healthy romaine lettuce for this experiment. How much light is enough? Lacinato, Kale. Exotic mistletoe cactus makes a stunning house plant. Turn pots or trays as necessary to prevent seedlings from leaning toward the light. Turn it off at night because plants won't thrive. Grow Lettuce in Winter. Smaller lettuce varieties can be grown around these larger varieties to make the most out of your container space. Avoid head lettuces, which are difficult to grow indoors. Some good loose-leaf varieties include 'Oak Leaf' and 'Salad Bowl'. Growing lettuce in containers also allows you to control weeds and pests more easily than in a large garde… Aimee Diehl writes from her home in rural Cornwall, VT, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and a dog. Butterhead and loose-leaf lettuce varieties are the best choice to grow in containers. It is originated from Europe and grows well in China, Egypt, and North America. Or wash them and toss in salads. Keep light fixture close -- no more than 4 in (10 cm), above the seedlings -- and leave it on for 14 hours a day. Being able to grow lettuce indoors, year-round provides you with a constant supply of freshly grown greens. Because lettuce can tolerate low light more, compare to other fruiting … Mist every morning to keep the medium moist at all times. Some varieties are known to grow well in winter light, such as Arctic King, Winter Marvel and Winter Density. will keep seedlings growing steadily. Even better: a south-facing bay window. allowing the inner leaves to grow. Bibb lettuce, or “limestone”, has a smaller, more cup-like head. Best Lettuce Varieties For Indoor Growing Leaf lettuces are traditionally easier to grow than head lettuce varieties (e.g., romaine), and the same is true for indoor growing. ‘Set’ AGM:A crisphead lettuce, this is easy to grow and produces large, solid hearts with crisp green leaves. Growing lettuce in containers also allows you to control weeds and pests more easily than in a large garde… It offers a fresh, crunchy texture and sweet, mild flavor. Among all the lettuce types, loose-leaf lettuce is easiest to grow and will provide a steady supply of leaves to harvest. These are quite easy to grow. The large … I have a 10,000 sqft building, with no direct sun light. The best way to wash lettuce is to fill a large bowl with cold water and submerse the leaves. Parris Island Romaine Lettuce. Because you are growing indoors, you will need a pot, a light source (led grow light). How to sow lettuce seed: Drop a small amount of lettuce seeds into one hand, then pinch the seed between your forefinger and thumb of the other hand. Use a fertilizer solution at half-strength, once a week for three weeks. and will provide a steady supply of leaves to harvest. prevent seedlings from leaning toward the light. There are also some lettuce varieties that grow better indoors. Turn it off at night because plants won't thrive in continuous light. Cool to average room temperatures of 60-70°F/16-21°C, with a 10°F/6°C drop at night. The large … Try planting loose leaf lettuce in rich potting soil in a flower pot and place in a window that gets plenty of sun. Can I grow Iceberg lettuce indoors/without sunlight/hydroponically? This is probably the most traditional indoor way of growing lettuce. Small Tomatoes: Patio Each patio tomato plant grows to about 18 inches in height and is … Best Types of Lettuce for Your Salad. Cover the seeds in a very thin layer of planting mix. Copyright © 2008-2020 Guide-to-Houseplants.com. Lettuce From a Flower Pot. Igloo. Very lightly cover the seeds with seed starting mix. Grow the Hydroponic Way. Buttercrunch lettuce (butterhead) Butterhead lettuce is light green color, and it has leaves that are … Knowing which type you’re growing is helpful when you select the seeds. Prepare containers which correspond in size to your lettuce stump. Cut at least 3 inches from the root base and set the stump aside. What we're doing, where we're going and what we're thinking, From Gardener's Supply (www.gardeners.com), © 2020 Gardener's Supply Company, 128 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401 |, LED Stack-n-Grow Base Unit Garden Starter® Kit, Tabletop Microgreens Hydroponic Garden Kit, How to Grow Food Indoors: Success Starts with the Right Grow Lights. Pick a spot away from active heat sources and cold drafts, and inaccessible to mischievous, hungry pets. Larger light gardens, such as our Vermont-made SunLite® systems, will accommodate even more growing trays. Where to get lettuce seed for growing indoors? The good news for all the lettuce lovers out there is that you can grow any of the popular varieties of lettuce within hydroponic systems. Lettuce seedlings are edible, delicious and chock-full of vitamins A and C. feeding. Before planting you'll need to … Some good loose-leaf varieties include 'Oak Leaf' and 'Salad Bowl'. Transplant them in separate containers. Pull out seedlings to allow 3 in (7.5 cm) between plants to give them room to grow. The best way to wash lettuce is to fill a large bowl with cold water and submerse the leaves. When it comes to choosing seeds, some varieties are better suited to indoor growing. Leave the remaining leaves to grow for a few days longer. Look for loose-leaf varieties, such as Baby Oakleaf, Tom Thumb and Black-Seeded Simpson. A sunporch can be ideal, providing more sun exposure as well as the cooler temperatures ideal for cold-loving lettuce. Mesclun mixes, arugula and baby spinach also do well, but don’t be afraid of experimenting with other varieties or you might miss out on a special favorite you haven’t discovered yet. If you're using a multi-cell seed starting system, plant three or four seeds in each cell. Growing Leafy Greens and Herbs. As a general rule of thumb, lettuce heads will need 6-12″ of space per plant in a container. Find out how to grow aloe plants in pots, water, sunlight, repot. Can I grow Iceberg lettuce indoors/without sunlight/hydroponically? Information to get started Growing Lettuce Indoors in your home: Choosing & Planting the Lettuce seeds– What you need to know about which seeds you should pick for the best crop. Spinach is very easy to grow indoors under lights. Watch your crop closely because. For seedlings, it's best to water from the bottom, using a watering tray. Romaine Lettuce. Get in on the best deals, new products and gardening tips. 'Little Gem' is a popular upright variety. Choosing the Best Lettuce Seeds for Your Conditions. Baby leaf lettuce varieties tend to be the most tender anyway. Types of Lettuce. Because lettuce is perishable, cut only what you need. Growing Lettuce Winter. Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials is prohibited and protected by the DMCA. If you don't have enough light on a windowsill, grow your crop under lights. If you’re a high-end chef and you’re ready to take your salads to the … You can also recycle produce containers or take-out dishes, some of which come with clear covers handy for seed starting. Check daily for signs of sprouts. Lettuce grows best at relatively low humidity. Your chosen location must also be a safe one. Some varieties of lettuce, like iceberg or butterhead will take up the most space. Depending upon available sunlight, even urban gardeners can raise a steady supply of your favorite greens on a windowsill or beneath grow lights. Information to get started Growing Lettuce Indoors in your home: Choosing & Planting the Lettuce seeds– What you need to know about which seeds you should pick for the best crop. Varieties especially suited for growing indoors include black seeded simpson and tom thumb. For soil, choose a planting mix that's made for seed starting, such as Seed Starting Mix. Quality, efficient grow lamps that generate more light and less heat are your best bet. 1: Spinach. You can also try growing other salad bowl favorites, such as spinach, arugula (Astro is a variety that does well indoors) and mesclun. They mature faster than romaine and iceberg types, and make fast growth early on. One of the most popular vegetables, the abundance of lettuce varieties available is staggering. Of course, you could also simply grow lettuce indoors, or in containers that can be brought indoors before the first frosts. This helps to prevent fungal diseases such as. What temperature? Or buy a mix of lettuce seed specifically chosen for baby leaf production. Lettuce is a cool season crop and leaves develop best in cool but not chill temperatures. Don't have a sunny window? Choose greens that are adapted to indoor growing. You'll get an abundance of leaf growth by giving seedlings a light feeding. Green Leaf Lettuce Green leaf lettuce grows to the baby leaf stage (1.5- to 3.5-inches long) requires the least amount of light. Below are some of the most common types of lettuce and some of the specific varieties you can grow. Then spray with water until thoroughly moist. Fill your containers with three or four inches of moist soil, then sprinkle your lettuce seeds on top, spacing them about an inch apart. If seedlings don't get enough strong light, they'll become, spindly. They like it cool. Choosing the Right Variety of Lettuce to Grow Indoors. There are many varieties of lettuce available to the gardener, and most of them are incredibly simple to grow. Hi, i would like to start a commercial hydropoincs set up. How to grow it indoors. Spinach is one of the fastest-growing leafy green vegetables. mature lettuce plants go to seed quickly and become bitter-tasting. Try growing the same lettuce under grow lights if your windows do not get enough sun. If you aren't sure, purchase your lettuce from a local nursery and … Selection of indoor lettuce variety: Garden Babies Merlot Baby Oakleaf Salad Bowl Lollo Rosa Black-Seeded Simpson Tom Thumb Red Deer Tongue discover the best types of lettuce to grow indoors, how to grow lettuce under lights, how much to water. Personally, I … Moisten the soil to prepare it for planting, then fill containers with about 3-4" of prepared mix. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. I usually start Bibb and Romaine seeds under lights in early March and set out seedlings in pots and beds when days warm and nights stay in … Scissors work well for this task. Some of the best varieties that do well inside include: Loose-leaf varieties: Tom Thumb, Baby Oakleaf, and Black-Seeded Simpson; Winter varieties: Winter Marvel, Arctic King, and Winter Density Here you'll discover the best types of lettuce to grow indoors, how to grow lettuce under lights, how much to water, when to fertilize and more. You'll find this rainforest native captivating, even without white berries. You can even experiment with growing radishes, Asian greens and broccoli as micro-greens, or grow herbs indoors. Avoid head lettuces, which are difficult to grow indoors. Keep light fixture close -- no more than 4 in (10 cm) above the seedlings -- and leave it on for 14 hours a day. Planting lettuce indoor: Here are specific steps you have to follow to grow lettuce indoors. 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But not chill temperatures Care: How to Fertilize new articles and advice available to gardener... Small type suitable for growing indoors include black seeded Simpson and Tom Thumb and Black-Seeded.... As damping off lettuce plant near a sunny window or a fluorescent grow.. To seed quickly and become bitter-tasting true '' ( second set of ) leaves grow better indoors the....