How to Grow Lettuce in Australia

Lettuce is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for Australian raised bed gardeners. It prefers cool weather and will bolt (run to seed) quickly in temperatures above 25°C, so timing is everything. In most Australian climates, autumn through spring is the prime lettuce season.

Sow seeds direct into prepared beds at 5mm depth, or transplant seedlings spaced 20–25cm apart for heading varieties. For loose-leaf types grown as cut-and-come-again, broadcast seed more densely and thin to 15cm. Loose-leaf varieties like 'Oak Leaf', 'Cos', and 'Mignonette' are more heat-tolerant than iceberg or butterhead types.

Lettuces grown in raised beds benefit enormously from consistent moisture — the loose, free-draining structure of raised bed mix can dry out faster than in-ground beds. Water at the base rather than overhead to reduce fungal disease risk. Mulch between plants with fine compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In summer, grow lettuce in the shadow cast by taller crops like trellised cucumbers or tomatoes — partial shade can extend your harvest season by several weeks. Alternatively, use 30–40% shade cloth as a cover during hot spells.

Sow a small patch every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest rather than a large single planting that all matures at once. Feed lightly with a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two weeks to encourage lush, tender leaf growth.