How to Grow Lettuce in New Zealand
Close to year-round in Auckland and the warmer north. Through the heat of January and February choose bolt-resistant types like Green Mignonette and give afternoon shade. Succession sow a short row every 2 to 3 weeks for a steady supply.
When to plant lettuce in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best lettuce varieties for NZ
- Green Mignonette — Compact loose-leaf butterhead, slow to bolt, the classic NZ home-garden lettuce. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Buttercrunch — Sweet, crisp mini-cos/butterhead cross that holds well in heat. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Cos (Paris Island) — Upright crunchy romaine, the standard cos for salads and Caesar. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
- Drunken Woman / Lollo types — Frilly red-tinged loose-leaf for cut-and-come-again picking and colour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow lettuce
- Space plants about 25cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 55 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow lettuce near: Carrot, Radish, Chives, Onion, Strawberry, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs, Snails, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant lettuce in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy lettuce seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10.