🥬 Lettuce, Growing Guide for SEQ
Everything you need to grow Lettuce in South East Queensland's subtropical climate.
When to Sow in SEQ
Loves cooler months (March-August best in SEQ). In summer, choose heat-tolerant varieties like Green Mignonette and provide afternoon shade. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Bolts quickly in temperatures above 28C.
Growing Requirements
Good Companions (Friends)
Keep Apart (Enemies)
Recommended Varieties for SEQ
Green Mignonette
Classic Australian heirloom loose-leaf butterhead. Very heat tolerant, slow to bolt, the SEQ workhorse.
Buttercrunch
Compact butterhead with tender, buttery leaves. Reliable year-round except peak summer.
Cos (Paris Island)
Upright romaine. Slow to bolt and handles SEQ shoulder seasons well. Great for Caesar salads.
Red Coral / Lollo Rossa
Frilly red loose-leaf. Cut-and-come-again. Holds better than green types in warmth.
Oak Leaf (Green & Red)
Loose-leaf with oak-shaped leaves. Slow bolt, excellent for continuous picking.
Kitchen Uses
- Fresh in salads and wraps
- Wilted into soups at the last minute
- Grilled briefly as a side
- Blended into green smoothies
Health Benefits
- Good source of vitamins A and K
- Low calorie, high water content
- Contains folate for cell health
- Provides dietary fibre
Pests & Diseases in SEQ
Common Pests
- Slugs
- Aphids
Common Diseases
- Downy mildew
- Sclerotinia rot
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth or bag, 5 to 7 days
Value
Saves ~$3-5/week vs bagged supermarket lettuce
Related Guides
- Stop Buying Lettuce: The 10-Month Salad Garden
- Best Vegetables to Grow in Brisbane Shade
- Companion Planting Guide for SEQ
- How to Start a Vegetable Garden in Brisbane
- Succession Planting in SEQ
Track Lettuce in Your Garden
Drag Lettuce into your garden bed, get weekly reminders for watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Add Lettuce to My Garden →Lettuce Photo Gallery
What lettuce looks like at every stage, from seedling to harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Brisbane?
In South East Queensland, Lettuce can be sown in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Loves cooler months (March-August best in SEQ). In summer, choose heat-tolerant varieties like Green Mignonette and provide afternoon shade. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Bolts quickly in temperatures above 28C.
What are good companion plants for Lettuce?
Good companions for Lettuce in SEQ include Carrot, Radish, Chives, Onion, Strawberry. Avoid planting near Parsley.
What are the best Lettuce varieties for Queensland?
Top varieties for SEQ include Green Mignonette, Buttercrunch, Cos (Paris Island).