SOURCE-BACKED GUIDANCE
Plant spacing
Choose lettuce spacing by harvest size and whether the variety forms a head or loose leaves.
Leaf lettuce for baby leaves
- Plant spacing
- 5 in
- Row spacing
- At least 18 in
University of Minnesota spacing for a young-leaf harvest. [1]
Full-size leaf or head lettuce
- Plant spacing
- 10–12 in
- Row spacing
- At least 18 in
University of Minnesota full-size guidance. [1]
Smaller loose-leaf varieties
- Plant spacing
- 15 cm (6 in)
- Row spacing
- 30 cm (12 in)
RHS guidance for smaller loose-leaf plants. [2]
Larger hearting varieties
- Plant spacing
- 30 cm (12 in)
- Row spacing
- 30 cm (12 in)
RHS guidance for larger hearting lettuces. [2]
Growing-method context
Decide the intended harvest size before choosing a spacing value; young leaves and mature heads are different planning cases. [1][2]
Planning notes
Heat can cause lettuce to bolt, so local conditions still matter even when the geometry fits. [1]
TURN GUIDANCE INTO A LAYOUT
Use the Plant Spacing Calculator
Choose the source entry that matches your plant and growing method, then enter that spacing yourself. The calculator applies only the geometry you provide.
Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension: Growing lettuce, endive and radicchio in home gardensReviewed by Grownestia 2026-09-08
- Royal Horticultural Society: How to grow lettucesReviewed by Grownestia 2026-09-08