Cultivating lettuce is a rewarding bodily function for many home gardeners due to its quick growth and refreshing taste . However , for those residing in USDA Hardiness Zone 13 , which includes some of the hot regions like parting of Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific Ocean , growing lettuce presents unique challenges due to the region ’s tropic , spicy climate . This article will provide an in - depth template on when to set about semen , when to plant outdoors , and when to harvest simoleons in Zone 13 .
Understanding Zone 13
In Zone 13 , the climate is clearly tropical , with the average humble wintertime temperatures seldom dip below 60 degree Fahrenheit ( 15.5 degrees Celsius ) . The growing season is year - round , but the intense heat can be sturdy for cool - weather crops like pelf , which typically favor temperature between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 to 18 degrees Celsius ) .
Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors
begin simoleons seeds indoors in Zone 13 is an in effect scheme that tolerate gardeners to finagle the initial raise condition . Because lettuce favor cool temperatures , an indoor starting time can provide a more regulated surroundings , especially during the hot months .
To start your germ , utilize a seed tray or small potful make full with a mellow - timber seed starting admixture . imbed the cum about 1/4 column inch deep , softly hide them with the mix , and water softly . Maintain systematically moist , but not waterlogged , soil conditions .
Keep the seed tray in a location with a temperature of about 60 - 70 stage Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 degrees Anders Celsius ) . Once sprouted , the seedlings will need pile of light , around 12 - 14 hour each solar day , which can be supplied by a to the south - face window or a grow light .
When To Plant Lettuce In Zone 13
Outdoor planting of lettuce in Zone 13 should aspire to take advantage of the cool calendar month of the year , generally from late December through early March . The garden surface area should provide ample sunlight but also some protection from the intense midday sun . Space each lettuce plant about 8 to 12 inches apart . Keep the soil consistently moist and consider using mulch to keep soil wet and bottle up weed growth .
Succession Planting
Succession planting with dough involves sowing small sight of seeds at even intervals to ensure a uninterrupted harvest home throughout the grow time of year . This method allows you to revel a steady supply of refreshed lettuce without experience a surplusage or famine all at once . Here ’s a step - by - step guide on how to do taking over planting with loot :
By following this taking over planting method acting , you’re able to enjoy a continuous supply of sweet lettuce throughout the produce season , see a steady harvest of this delicious and alimental leafy green .
When to Harvest
Lettuce can be harvest at most stages of its emergence . For leaf lettuce , harvest can start as soon as the leaves are large enough to consume , usually around 4 - 5 weeks after planting . you may either nibble individual leaves or dilute the entire plant at the base , which may stimulate a 2nd round of growth .
For head loot varieties like iceberg lettuce or romaine , harvest generally happen around 60 to 70 Day after planting when the heads have evolve and feel immobile . cut off the head at the base of the plant to harvest .
It ’s important to think of that simoleons can absquatulate , or go to semen , in high temperatures , make the leaves bitter . To combat this , glean your lolly during the cool parts of the day and increase harvesting oftenness as temperatures rise .
In conclusion , although the hot climate of Zone 13 presents a readiness of unique challenge , it is still potential to cultivate a bountiful harvest of lettuce with careful planning and attention . By time your planting and harvest strategically and providing the right forethought , you’re able to enjoy saucy , homegrown lettuce during much of the year .
