🌱 How to Grow Lettuce Romaine (Long) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: लेट्यूस रोमेन

• Tamil: ரோமைன் லெட்டூஸ்

• Telugu: రోమేన్ లెట్యూస్

• Malayalam: റോമൈൻ ലെറ്റ്യൂസ്

• Kannada: ರೊಮೇನ್ ಲೆಟ್ಯೂಸ್

• English: Romaine Lettuce

• Botanical name: Lactuca sativa var. longifolia

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season leafy vegetable

• Best time to sow:

  • October to February

  • Can also grow in partial shade in early summer in cooler zones

• Ideal temperature: 10°C to 22°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Light, well-drained, and fertile

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost or vermicompost before sowing

• Ensure soil stays moist but not soggy

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: Leave 6–8 inches between plants

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch deep pots, sow 3–4 seeds, then thin to strongest seedling

• Lightly cover with soil and mist water after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged

• Water lightly every 1–2 days, especially in dry weather

• Avoid wetting the leaves too much to prevent rot

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–10 days

• Thin seedlings once they have 2–3 true leaves

• Ideal spacing: 6–8 inches between plants for full head growth

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Protect from harsh sun in warmer climates

• Best growth in cool, mild weather

7. Fertilization

• Top-dress with compost or leafy vegetable fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid heavy nitrogen — it may cause bitterness

• Seaweed or banana peel tea helps during leaf formation

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, snails, slugs, powdery mildew

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Hand-pick snails/slugs and keep soil clean

• Maintain airflow and avoid overhead watering

9. Harvesting

• Ready in 30–60 days, depending on variety and climate

• For baby leaves: Start harvesting at 3–4 weeks

• For full heads: Harvest when heads are firm and upright

• Cut just above the base — may regrow smaller leaves

10. Regrow Tip

• After harvesting, leave the root and base in the soil

• Water gently — small leaves may regrow

• You can also regrow from the base of store-bought lettuce

🥗 Health Benefits of Romaine Lettuce

• Low in calories, high in fiber and water

• Rich in Vitamin A, K, and folate

• Helps with digestion, hydration, and detoxification

• Good for heart health and weight loss diets