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Plant Detail

Lettuce

Scientific name	Lactuca sativa
Common name	Lettuce
Type	Vegetables
Variety	Annual
USDA Zone hardiness	1 - 6b
Exposure	Full sun
Height	Under 1'
Spread	Under 1'

Lettuce is a reasonably hardy, cool-weather vegetable that thrives when the average daily temperature is between 60 and 70°F. It should be planted in early spring or late summer. Once summer temperatures are over 70 on a daily basis growth is stunted, leaves may be bitter and the lettuce may set seed. Some types and varieties of lettuce withstand heat better than other. Five types of lettuce: loose-leaf lettuce, romaine, crisphead, butterhead and stem (also called asparagus lettuce). Head lettuces like Iceburg require the most care, generally best to start indoors and transplant to the garden. Other lettuce can be started as seed in the garden and are less sensitive to early summer heat.