Cecelia is a compact green butterhead lettuce bred for indoor production, reaching harvest in just 55 days from transplants. Hardy enough for zones 3 through 9, this open-pollinated variety thrives in cool weather and germinates best between 60 and 70°F. Its butterhead form makes it well-suited to controlled growing environments where consistent temperatures can be maintained, offering gardeners a reliable green harvest year-round.
—
—
3-9
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Cecelia's compact growth habit and quick maturity make it exceptional for indoor growers and succession planting in tight spaces. As a butterhead lettuce, it develops the tender, folded leaves that characterize the best salad lettuces, and its open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seeds for future seasons. The variety's frost tolerance extends your growing window, while its preference for cool conditions below 70°F makes it far easier to grow successfully than heat-loving alternatives.
Cecelia is grown primarily for fresh salads, where its butterhead leaves provide a tender, delicate base for dressings and mixed greens. The compact form and quick maturity make it ideal for succession planting, allowing gardeners to sow every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh heads throughout the cool season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow Cecelia seeds indoors in a cool environment between 60 and 70°F. The variety produces approximately 16,000 plants per ounce, so sow sparingly in seed trays or flats. Time your sowing to transplant out around your last spring frost or 6 to 8 weeks before your first fall frost. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.
Transplant outdoors once seedlings have developed 2 to 3 true leaves and soil can be worked. Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Plant at soil temperature of 50°F or warmer. Space transplants to accommodate Cecelia's compact growth habit, typically 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart, adjusting based on your desired head size.
Cecelia reaches maturity in 55 days from transplants. Harvest when heads feel firm to the touch and leaves have developed their characteristic butterhead form and folded texture. Cut heads at soil level using a sharp knife in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. For continuous harvest, you can also pick outer leaves individually while allowing the center to continue growing.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.