When to Plant Lettuce in Brisbane — Subtropical Guide

Lettuce

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Lettuce is the most commonly grown salad green in Australian home gardens. Available in four main types: crisphead (iceberg), cos/romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf. It is a cool-season crop that bolts rapidly in heat, making variety selection and planting timing critical. Fast-growing (4-8 weeks to harvest) and adaptable to containers, garden beds, and even part shade.

Planting Calendar

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 23.6°C (optimal range: 5–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow Lettuce in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

February-September. Peak season March-July. Can extend with shade cloth and heat-tolerant varieties. Summer is too hot.

Soil
Light, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Lettuce has shallow roots and prefers loose, friable soil.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun in cool seasons. Part shade essential in warm zones and during warm months to delay bolting.
Spacing
25cm apart, 30cm between rows
Watering
Light, frequent watering to keep soil consistently moist. Shallow roots dry out quickly. Morning watering preferred. Drip irrigation or soaker hose ideal. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.

Companion plants: Carrot, Radish, Strawberry, Chive, Onion, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Celery (some allelopathic evidence), Parsley (competes for same nutrients)

Subtropical Growing Tips for Lettuce

Recommended Varieties

  • Darwin (oakleaf)
  • Green Oakleaf
  • Buttercrunch
  • Cos (bolt-resistant types)
  • Red Coral

Key Challenges

  • Bolting from August as days lengthen and warm
  • Slugs and snails in wet weather
  • Aphids in dry autumn/winter

Pro Tips

  • Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply
  • Afternoon shade is essential from September onwards
  • Oakleaf varieties are the most reliable for SEQ conditions

Harvesting Lettuce

When ready: Loose-leaf: when leaves are 10-15cm (baby) or 20cm+ (full size). Heading types: when head is firm and full-sized. Cos: when upright head is dense. Harvest before any signs of flower stalk elongation (bolting).

How to harvest: Cut-and-come-again: cut outer leaves at base for loose-leaf types. Whole head: cut at soil level with sharp knife in cool of morning. For cos, can harvest outer leaves or whole head.

Common Lettuce Pests in Subtropical Zones

Aphids — Risk: MODERATE (score: 54/100)

Organic prevention: Water in morning so soil is dry at night. Keep mulch light and away from plants. Remove hiding spots (boards, dense ground cover). Raise seedlings in pots until robust enough to withstand damage.

View all pest alerts →

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $15.01/kg (range: $8.25–$24.50)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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