Red Cross - Open Pollinated Butterhead Lettuce Seeds

Always use fresh seed because old lettuce seed is unlikely to germinate well. Make small successional sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous crops. Sow directly into the soil from early spring to midsummer by creating a shallow trench about ½ in (1 cm) deep using a cane. Sprinkle seeds thinly along the bottom of the trench, label the row, and cover seeds with soil. Water thoroughly using a watering can fitted with a rose. Space rows 6 in (15 cm) apart for smaller varieties and 12 in (30 cm) apart for larger headed lettuces. Seeds may not germinate well in hot weather, so make summer sowings in a lightly shaded spot or during the cool of the evening.