Grand Rapids Lettuce

Like the bok choy, I have planted this plant in both hydropots and soil. It has almost the same growth requirements as the bok choy does. Unlike the bok choy, the lettuce does much better in the hydroponic planters than it does. Both soil and hydroponic planters are viable means of growing. It matures in ~50 days and takes up the same size. Leaves from these plants are softer than other lettuce varieties and also very tasty; use them on sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even eat raw.

One strategy with this plant is to sow a bunch of seeds in close proximity (I use a 2 gallon bucket for this). Let the lettuce grow until the leaves are about 3-4 inches long, then harvest the baby leaves. With proper watering/fertilizing, you'll have a new crop of "mini-lettuce" ready to eat in 3-4 days.

Annual or Perennial?: Annual
Germination time: 5-10 days
Days until maturity: 45
Light requirements: Full Sun (6+ hrs) to Partial Shade (4-6 hrs)
Plant size: Small-Medium
Spacing: 6-8 in
Temperature: Cool weather
Difficulty: Easy
Traits: Really curly leaves.
Companion plants: N/A
Special needs: Shade in hot weather

When to plant: Plant as a fall/winter crop in warm climates and as a spring crop in cooler climates.

How to grow: Lettuce can grow in a lot of places using a variety of different methods. It can be grown in the ground, in containers, and even hydroponically.

How to harvest: Cut leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant for "cut and come again". Enjoy leaves in salads or on sandwiches. Rinse with water before consumption. Leaves do not keep well, so harvest leaves as needed.


Photos:

Seeds

Seedling

Slightly bigger plant

3 weeks

5-6 weeks old

5-6 weeks old

Harvested leaves

More harvested leaves

Cut and come again bucket

They can grow really big in a large container

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