Lettuce is considered one of the easier crops to grow. However, it doesn’t like to grow when the conditions are too hot or too cold. Lettuce starts from a seed and takes about 60 to 90 days to grow. In the field, seeds of iceberg lettuce are planted side by side in rows. That way, more lettuce can grow in each row.
Seeds of romaine lettuce are also planted in rows in the field. Sometimes the plants are started in a greenhouse and then transplanted out to the field. But this only happens during colder months of the year.
Iceberg Lettuce
Lettuce needs a steady supply of water to keep it’s leaves crispy and tender. As iceberg lettuce grows, it forms a very tight head. That’s why iceberg lettuce is sometimes called "head" lettuce.
Romaine Lettuce
The leaves on Romaine lettuce grow straight and open. This allows the sun to penetrate the plants and give them their dark green color.
Lettuce is Picked by Hand
Worker Removes Damaged Leaves
Did you know lettuce is picked by hand? First, lettuce is cut with a very sharp knife near the base of the head. Then, any damaged outer leaves are removed. Before being packed in a box, the base of each head of lettuce is wiped off.
