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Lettuce problems.

RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
in Problem solving
Why doesn’t my lettuce grow? I have planted a seed mix plus some cos. I plant the seeds in pots and keep them in my south facing sun room. They all germinate quickly and start well but when they get to about an inch or two tall they just seem to stop. They don’t bolt or die, they just sit there. I was hoping to have a regular supply but I can’t see what I’m doing wrong. 
I have pricked out some when small into individual small pots, and left others where they were sown. I use a general multi purpose compost mixed with perlite and water regularly and give an occasional seaweed feed, but they just sit there. What am I doing wrong?? 

Posts

  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    Not sure. Can we have a picture please?
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338

    They look ok, but they’ve been sitting there like that for weeks. 



  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    They’re probably too hot .., pop them outside in a spot where they get shade for part of the day. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they're better with a bit of shade.
    You could also move some of those into much bigger pots, and grow some on individually as well as having some clumps for cut and come again. Slugs and snails love them so watch out for those.
    I keep some indoors as well as outdoors, and keep sowing seed to give me a succession of new plants, as planting out individual lettuce is tricky because of the slug problem. The indoor ones are on the north west facing windowsills.

    I do have success with the pots raised on a support within a large tray of water. That prevents the slugs getting across to them, but you have to ensure they aren't already present in the pots, and that they can't bungee in from elsewhere  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    Good point, @Dovefromabove. I grow mine in the ground under shade netting and they grow amazingly fast.
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • RobmarstonRobmarston Posts: 338
    Is it better to have a few in a large pot or give them their own pot? I want successions of them because we’re big lettuce eaters in my house. I’ll try all the suggestions and see what happens 😊 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I grow individual ones in a trough - maybe three or so, to leave to grow on more, but I mostly do succession sowing for cut and come again.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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