Ithaca Lettuce

Begin seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost for earliest harvests. Sow 2 to 3 seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in organically rich, well-drained soil, spacing seeds about 2 inches apart. Keep the soil at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for germination. Thin to the strongest seedling once sprouted and harden off transplants gradually before moving them outdoors.

Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden when soil is workable in spring, typically 4 to 6 weeks after the indoor sowing date. Space plants 12 inches apart with 12 inches between rows. Cool-season outdoor temperatures are ideal for establishment.

Direct sow seeds beginning about 4 weeks before your last spring frost, pressing seeds 1/4 inch deep directly into prepared soil. You can continue sowing every 2 to 3 weeks for succession harvests until about 2 weeks before your first fall frost. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they have true leaves.

Ithaca typically reaches maturity in about 65 days from sowing, though some sources report 50 to 60 days under ideal conditions. Harvest when the heads feel firm and solid to gentle pressure, with leaves tightly furled into a dense ball. Cut heads at soil level using a sharp knife or pull the entire plant. For summer sowings, harvest promptly once heads form to avoid bolting in heat. You can harvest outer leaves individually if you prefer, though cutting the whole head gives you the crispest result.