Bibb lettuce, a type of butterhead lettuce, is celebrated for its tender, velvety leaves and sweet, mild flavor. This variety forms small, loose heads that are less bitter than many other types of lettuce, making it desirable for fresh salads. Growing this green from seed to harvest is straightforward, provided its needs for cool weather and consistent moisture are met.
Site Preparation and Timing
Bibb lettuce is a cool-weather annual, thriving when daytime temperatures are consistently between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting should be timed for early spring, beginning about four weeks before the last expected frost, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. This timing ensures the plants mature before the intense heat of mid-summer, which triggers bolting.
The planting location should receive full sun during the cool seasons, though partial afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer climates to prevent wilting and delay bitterness. Since lettuce has a shallow root system, the soil must be rich in organic matter, loose, and consistently well-draining. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). To enjoy a longer harvest period, implement succession planting by sowing a new batch of seeds every two to three weeks until the weather becomes too hot.
Sowing Seeds and Thinning Seedlings
Bibb lettuce can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost and transplanted, or directly sown outdoors once the soil can be worked. When sowing, place seeds at a shallow depth, covering them with only a thin layer of soil, as lettuce seeds require light for germination. Initial spacing should be about one inch apart, with rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Thinning is necessary to promote healthy, full heads and prevent disease from overcrowding. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are about two inches tall, thin them to space the remaining plants six to eight inches apart. To avoid disturbing the roots, use small scissors to snip the unwanted plants off at the soil line instead of pulling them out.
Essential Care and Pest Management
Consistent moisture is the primary requirement for growing tender, sweet Bibb lettuce because the leaves are composed mostly of water. The shallow root system means the soil should be kept uniformly moist but never waterlogged; allowing the soil to dry out quickly causes the leaves to become tough and bitter. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which minimizes the risk of fungal diseases like downy mildew.
Since lettuce is a fast-growing leafy green, it benefits from a steady supply of nitrogen to fuel its growth. A light application of a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks encourages lush leaf production. If temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will initiate bolting, halting leaf production and introducing bitterness. Providing a shade cloth during the hottest part of the day or planting near taller crops can help keep the plant cooler, delaying this process. Slugs and aphids are common pests. Simple remedies like hand-picking slugs or using a gentle stream of water or insecticidal soap to dislodge aphids are effective control measures.
Harvesting Techniques
Bibb lettuce is ready for harvest about 50 to 60 days after planting, when the heads appear full and before any signs of bolting. Harvesting is best done in the cool morning hours to ensure the leaves have their highest water content and maximum crispness.
There are two primary harvest methods. The “cut-and-come-again” technique involves picking only the outer, mature leaves, leaving the central core intact. This allows the growing tip to continue producing new leaves for several weeks. Alternatively, a whole-head harvest involves cutting the entire plant at the soil line with a sharp knife. Harvested leaves should be washed immediately and stored in the refrigerator to maintain texture.