How to grow Lettuce in Australia
Grow in fertile, moisture-holding soil in full sun, with light afternoon shade in hot weather to stop it bolting. Keep watering frequent and even, as dry spells turn leaves bitter and trigger flowering.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 25 cm
- Time to harvest: 55 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | January to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | January to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | January to October | Year-round in mild coastal areas; April to Sept most reliable; avoid peak summer heat. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Extend autumn sow (Feb to May), add winter (May to Jul), spring (Jul to Sep). Melbourne's cool season longer than SEQ. |
| Adelaide & SA | April to October | Mediterranean: avoid Dec to Feb heat. Sow Apr to Oct for autumn-winter harvest. Lettuce bolts above 25°C. |
| Perth & WA | April to October | Main sowings Apr to Oct. Hold March to April; late heat spikes bolt it. Coastal Strip can shade sow Nov to Feb with steady water. |
| Tasmania | August to March | Sow Aug to Mar, succession every 2 to 3 weeks. Mild summers mean little bolting. Winter sowings need a cloche or cold frame. |
| Canberra & ACT | August to May | Sow Aug to May. Midwinter sowing fails in frozen soil; use a frame or wait for August. Succession sow every 2 to 3 weeks. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season only. Sow May to Aug with afternoon shade. Bolts fast once build-up heat arrives from September. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season only. Sow May to Aug. Bolts quickly in wet season heat/humidity; needs shade cloth even in dry season in Darwin. |
Varieties
- Green Mignonette
- Buttercrunch
- Cos (Paris Island)
- Red Coral / Lollo Rossa
- Oak Leaf (Green & Red)
- Iceberg (Great Lakes)
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
For hearting types, cut the whole head once firm. For loose-leaf, pick outer leaves as needed and leave the centre, and it will keep giving for weeks.
Storage
Fridge in a damp cloth or bag, 5 to 7 days.