Cultivation

Lettuce Plant Density

Lactuca sativa L.

A key technological parameter in lettuce cultivation that determines the formation of marketable mass and head size, as well as the risk level for fungal infections.

In the reference 10 varieties crop Lettuce, where this is mentioned in the description.

Optimal plant density depends on the cultivar habit: for small-headed types, 20×20 cm spacing is recommended; for medium ones, 25×25 cm; and for large types, such as 'Batavia', 30×30 cm or 30×25 cm. For head lettuce varieties, planting density should not exceed 11 plants per 1 m² to avoid poor ventilation and the development of downy mildew.

In protected ground, density is adjusted seasonally: for spring sowing, 16–20 plants/m² are used, and for autumn sowing, 25–30 plants/m². Due to the shallow root system, excessive crowding restricts aeration in the root zone, which increases the risk of leaf rot.

General information about the subject — on the page Planting density.

Sources7

Varieties of Lettuce mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.