Sowing
The RHS advises sowing lettuce in small amounts regularly to keep a steady supply. Clemson gives 5 to 7 weeks from sowing to transplanting if you start indoors.
Seed is small: sow thinly and cover only lightly. In hot weather, sow in light shade; lettuce seed can sulk in hot soil.
Tips
- Thin to give heads room.
- Slugs love seedlings; protect them.
Saving the seed
Collect from the last plant to go to seed, once the yellow flowers have turned into whitish wisps (University of California). The seed head can be squeezed and pulled to release all the seeds. Dry before storing.
Always check the packet for your variety, and see the step-by-step guide for the basics.