How to Grow Romaine Lettuce in Florida

Residing within the sunshine state can come with its own special benefits, but for those of us who love to garden or grow their own produce, the hot weather can introduce some challenging obstacles. In today’s article, we will be going over the basics of growing romaine lettuce so that your garden can thrive even in challenging environments. 

When to grow romaine lettuce in Florida

The perfect time to grow lettuce in Florida is after the heat of the summer has passed. Lettuce seeds proper in cooler climates, this means that the best time for growing romaine will be in the mid fall season. The mild weather conditions that come with the November months make gardening lettuce plants as easy as possible. 

How spread apart should the seeds be?

For most major types of romaine lettuce, it is safest to plant them around 12 inches apart. The ample space allows for the heads of lettuce to grow with enough room and resources to prosper. Planting flowers or produce too close together can stifle their ability to grow and create a battle for sunlight, water, and vital nutrients located within the soil.

How deep should you plant your romaine lettuce?

It is recommended to bury the romaine leaf lettuce seeds at least a quarter inch deep within soil that has the ability to appropriately drain. Hydroponic garden setups allow for sufficient drainage, while still managing to keep soil moist. 

Are there different varieties of romaine lettuce?

In terms of romaine lettuce, those looking to grow the produce can expect to encounter more than one type of seed available to them. Before starting your lettuce journey, consider which variant will work best for your location and your needs. 

Here at Whitwam Organics, customers can choose from Freckles Romaine, Red Romaine, and Jericho Romaine Lettuce.

How to take care of your romaine lettuce

Caring for your romaine shouldn't be complex or laborious. To simplify the process and provide the best possible gardening solutions for your lettuce seeds, we’ve outlined a quick reference list to help simplify the growing process.

Enrich the soil by adding compost

Compost is rich in nutrients the soil needs to help plants grow. When soil is confined to a pot or a planter, it is likely that vital nutrients your plants need will be used up without being properly replenished. Compost is a natural, organic way to revitalize soil instead of relying on store bought chemical additions to soil.

Give your lettuce water-soluble plant food

Water-soluble plant food is a wonderful way to supplement the growth of your produce. This variation of plant food can be rapidly absorbed by the romaine seeds, allowing for perfectly supplemented produce. Be sure to check local nurseries for the best plant food options. 

Use mulch to reduce weed growth

In addition to adding compost to the soil, utilizing mulch is a great way to sustain the integrity of your soil. Mulch provides a lightweight protective barrier that shields the earth from heat while also reducing the growth of weeds and allowing moisture to remain within the substrate for longer.

Provide shade for the lettuce 

Although lettuce needs ample amount of sunlight to thrive, shade is also going to be integral to a healthy lettuce plant. Too much sun can cause bolting, as well as scorch the plant, leaving it dry and damaged.

Test your soil routinely

While adding plant food and compost to the soil can help your garden grow, most will still need to rest their soil routinely to ensure the proper pH balances. Insufficient nutrients and chemically imbalanced soil can ruin your produce regardless of how hard you try to tend to it. Understanding what soil you’re working with, as well as how to make the appropriate adjustments will ensure the best possible outcome for the plants you choose to grow.

Don’t harvest until 30 days after planting

Lastly, be sure to avoid relying on visual cues alone. Waiting at least 30 days following planting before you choose to cut romaine lettuce will ensure not only the preferred size and shape, but texture and taste as well. Harvesting your crop too early could negatively impact the flavor or texture of your food. 

For more produce gardening tips, contact Whitwam Organics!

For reliable tips for all things gardening, contact the dedicated staff here at Whitwam Organics! We supply everything needed for your garden to thrive: from plants and seeds, to irrigation and pest control. Whether you need gardening products or tailored residential and commercial advice, we have your back. Visit our website for a full list of services as well as plenty of helpful information.