Nevada Lettuce is a Summer Crisp-type that earned its reputation for dependability and speed. This open-pollinated variety matures in 40 to 48 days, forming dense, closed heads that grow 6 to 12 inches tall with crisp, smooth green leaves and a fresh, mild taste. Hardy across zones 2 through 10, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Nevada shines as a cool-season crop, excelling in spring and fall plantings when many other lettuces struggle with heat.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
10 in
Height
—
Width
8 in
Spacing
40–49
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual, Biennial
TypeForb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
10in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual, Biennial
Care
High
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Highlights
Nevada's dense head formation and earlier maturity set it apart from most lettuce varieties, making it a reliable choice for gardeners eager for harvest. The crisp texture and smooth flavor work beautifully in fresh applications, while its cold tolerance means you can extend your season well into shoulder months when other greens have bolted. Direct seeding every 2 to 3 weeks keeps fresh heads coming throughout the growing season, and its compact 5 to 10-inch height fits neatly into any garden bed.
Common Uses
Nevada Lettuce is primarily grown for fresh salads, where its crisp texture and mild flavor shine. The tender inner leaves work beautifully in simple green salads or composed salads where subtle flavor allows other ingredients to stand out. Its compact head form makes it convenient for single-household harvest and storage.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Not Applicable (Harvested Before Bolting)
First Harvest
50-60 Days
Last Harvest
Determinate
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start Nevada Lettuce indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your planned transplant date. Keep soil consistently moist and provide cool conditions (around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) to encourage strong seedling development.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant hardened-off seedlings once they've developed several true leaves, spacing them 8 inches apart with 16-inch spacing between rows. Plant when soil temperatures are cool, ideally in early spring or late summer, for the best head formation and crispness.
Direct Sow
Direct seed Nevada Lettuce into prepared beds, using row cover to improve germination and prevent soil crusting. Sow seeds in cool seasons (spring or fall) when soil temperatures favor lettuce germination. Plant every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Harvesting
Nevada Lettuce typically reaches harvest maturity in 40 to 48 days from direct seeding or transplanting. Harvest individual outer leaves once they're full-sized, allowing the heart to continue growing for extended harvests, or cut the entire head about 1 inch above the soil when it feels dense and crisp. Check plants daily as they mature, since lettuce eventually becomes bitter as it begins to bolt. Once bolting starts, harvest immediately; the plant will no longer be palatable.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
EdibleNative Species
Scientific Classification
Lactuca ×morssii B.L. Rob. (pro sp.)
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Lactuca
Duration
Annual, Biennial
Native Status
L48 (N)