Lactuca sativa
Romaine lettuce is a crisp, cool-season leafy green known for its upright heads and crunchy, flavorful leaves. Growing up to 10–12 inches tall, this garden favorite produces tightly layered leaves with a refreshing texture that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Best grown in spring and fall, romaine thrives in cool temperatures between 45–75°F. It grows quickly in full sun with some afternoon shade, which helps prevent bolting and keeps leaves tender and mild. Plants perform best in fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture.
Romaine lettuce is ideal for raised beds, vegetable gardens, and containers, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels. It can be harvested as a full head or by picking the outer leaves for continuous “cut-and-come-again” harvests throughout the season.
Beyond its great flavor, romaine is also nutrient-rich, providing Vitamins A and K, along with folate, potassium, and iron.
Plant Details
- Light: Full sun (afternoon shade helpful in warmer weather)
- Water: Consistent moisture for best growth
- Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil
- Height: 10–12 inches
- Spacing: 6–10 inches apart
- Maturity: 50–70 days
Garden Highlights
- Cool-season vegetable perfect for spring and fall planting
- Crisp texture and classic salad flavor
- Great for garden beds, raised beds, and containers
- “Cut-and-come-again” harvesting for continuous yields
Romaine lettuce is an easy-to-grow garden staple that delivers fresh, crunchy harvests straight from your backyard to the table.
