Soil — How to Grow
Sow thinly in shallow drills or broadcast in a patch. Lettuce seed needs light to germinate — press onto the surface rather than burying. Thin or harvest as baby leaves. For hearted types, thin to 20–30cm. Bolting in summer heat is the main challenge — choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer sowing and keep plants well-watered. Evening watering reduces stress.
Space plants 25cm apart
Watch Out For
Companion Planting
Grows well with
Carrot
Radish
Strawberry
Spring Onion
ChilliVarieties (4)
Regional Growing Guides
Uk
Sow
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Harvest
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Smoke — In the Kitchen
Lettuce is often overlooked in BBQ settings but it deserves a place on the fire. Its crisp, mild leaves develop a subtle smokiness and a slight char when cooked over coals, which enhances its natural sweetness and adds a satisfying texture contrast. The outer leaves hold up best to heat, becoming tender while retaining a pleasant bite. This makes lettuce a versatile ingredient for grilling, whether as a side or part of a composed dish. Adding fresh herbs or a splash of vinegar after cooking brings out layers of flavour and balances the charred notes beautifully. When selecting lettuce for BBQ, choose fresh heads with vibrant, unblemished leaves. Romaine and little gem varieties work particularly well because they are sturdy enough to withstand the heat without wilting completely. Avoid limp or yellowing leaves as they will not hold up on the grill and can taste bitter. Store lettuce wrapped loosely in a damp cloth or paper towel inside the fridge to maintain crispness and extend shelf life. Use within a few days of purchase for the best results. Cooking lettuce over fire is quick and requires minimal preparation. Simply halve or quarter the heads, brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking, and place cut side down on a hot grate or directly on embers. Grill for a few minutes until you see char marks and the leaves soften slightly. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between smoky warmth and fresh crunch. Lettuce on the BBQ is a simple way to add a fresh, seasonal element to your meal with minimal fuss.
Prep
Halve a gem or little gem lengthwise through the core, keeping core intact to hold the leaves together. Oil the cut face.
Cook
Extremely quick: direct high heat, cut-face down, 1–2 minutes only. The goal is slight char and wilting on the outside while the centre stays crisp. A quick char transforms a simple salad.
