Hello , Arizona gardener ! While Arizona is known for its scorch summers , we can actually grow a compass of cool - weather crops like lettuce during the cooler months . This clause will take you through the central steps of planting lettuce in Arizona , include when to start your seed , when to embed alfresco , and when to reap your crisp , fresh super acid .
Getting to Know Arizona’s Hardiness Zones
First , let ’s talk about Arizona ’s hardiness zones . We have quite a range in our state , move from zona 5b in the higher elevations , all the way to 10b in the warmer , lower desert orbit . These zone help us see where sure plants will thrive based on our local minimal winter temperature .
Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors
Lettuce is a cool - weather condition crop , have in mind it thrives in cooler temperatures and can permit a chip of frost . In the milder hardiness zona of 9b to 10b , you ’ll want to lead off your seeds in late summer or former gloam ( around late August to September ) for a winter harvest . In the cool zones ( 5b to 8b ) , start your seeds in early outpouring ( February to March ) or fall ( September to October ) for a spring or descent harvest respectively .
Plant your seeds about 1/4 inch deeply in a good - quality source - start commixture . Keep them in a nerveless , well - lit location . The seeds should germinate within 7 to 10 day .
When To Plant Lettuce In Arizona
When it make out to transplant your lettuce outdoors , the timing reckon on your specific hardiness zone .
see your lettuce plants are spaced about 12 inches aside in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart . They enjoy full sunshine during the cooler season but will appreciate some shade during the hot parts of the daylight .
Succession planting
sequence planting with lettuce need seed small wad of semen at veritable interval to see to it a continuous harvest throughout the arise time of year . This method acting allow you to delight a steady supply of fresh lettuce without experiencing a surplus or shortage all at once . Here ’s a stone’s throw - by - measure guide on how to do sequence planting with lettuce :
By following this chronological sequence planting method , you’re able to savour a continuous supply of fresh dough throughout the growing season , ensuring a steady crop of this delectable and nutritious leafy green .
When To Harvest Lettuce In Arizona
Now , for the most substantial part of the process : harvest your homegrown lettuce .
Just be sure to keep an optic out for bolting as the temperatures warm up . When lettuce bolt , it sends up a flush stalking to produce semen , making the leaves bitter . Harvesting early in the morning and keeping your plants adequately watered can help prevent this .
There you have it ! Despite Arizona ’s reputation for heat , our state provides ample opportunity to grow fresh , delicious lettuce . With the correct timing and a snatch of care , you ’ll be well on your way to a successful lettuce harvest time .
