Growing guide
How to grow lettuce
The best first hydroponic crop: fast, low-nutrient, and sold fresh to cafés and homes.
At a glance
- Planting window
- Outdoors in the north: September – February · Hydroponic: year-round with cooling
- Duration
- 45–60 days seed to harvest
- Climate
- 15–22 °C
- Soil
- Hydroponic media or rich loam; pH 5.5–6.5
- Water need
- Moderate
- Seed
- About 20–25 plants per m² in NFT
- Yield
- About 20–25 heads per m² every 5–6 weeks in NFT.
What to do, and when
Dates assume planting around 9 Oct. Change the plan to shift them.
- 2–3 weeks before — Sow in plugs: Keep moist and bright.
- Day 0 — Transplant to the system: Net pots in NFT channels or rafts.
- Days 0–35 — Check EC and pH daily: EC 0.8–1.2, pH 5.5–6.5.
- Days 30–40 — Harvest whole heads: Roots on for longer shelf life.
Varieties to consider
Buy certified seed or planting material from an authorised source.
- Butterhead and Romaine — Most forgiving in Indian conditions.
- Lollo Rosso and oakleaf — Colour for salad mixes.
- Iceberg — Needs the coolest conditions.
Water
- Continuous flow (NFT) or aerated reservoir (DWC); keep solution below 24 °C.
Pests and diseases to watch
Prevent first; spray only when needed, with a product registered for the crop, at label dose.
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What would you like to do next?
Read more on Agriculture Novel
Where these numbers come from
- Common grower practice in north India Widely followed by farmers; confirm with your KVK for your block.
- Standard plant science
