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Butterhead Boston

Lactuca sativa 'Boston'

A classic butterhead lettuce prized for its tender, buttery leaves and compact rosette formation. This reliable variety produces beautiful heads with soft, pale green outer leaves and a creamy yellow heart that's perfect for elegant salads. Boston lettuce is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Harvest

55-65d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

'Allstar Mix'

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Butterhead Boston in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 lettuce →

Zone Map

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Butterhead Boston · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorMild, sweet, and buttery with tender texture

ColorLight to medium green with creamy yellow center

Size6-8 inch diameter heads

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	July – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	June – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	May – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	May – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	April – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	March – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.

Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.

Storage & Preservation

Store unwashed Butterhead Boston heads in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity. Properly stored heads last 7-10 days, significantly longer than most lettuce varieties due to their dense structure. Wash leaves only when ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay.

For preservation, Boston lettuce doesn't freeze or dry well due to its high water content. Instead, make lettuce soup by wilting leaves in broth, then freezing the soup. You can also ferment outer leaves into kimchi-style preparations or preserve the entire harvest by making lettuce wraps and blanching briefly before freezing. Dehydrating at low temperatures (95°F) creates crispy lettuce chips, though the yield is minimal.

History & Origin

Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia

Advantages

+Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest control

Radishes

Break up soil for lettuce roots and mature quickly without competing for space

Carrots

Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots and help aerate soil

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and can be interplanted for efficient space use

Garlic

Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting lettuce

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects and has similar water requirements without competition

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade out lettuce

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce growth and tall plants create excessive shade

Nutrition Facts

Calories

13kcal(1%)

Protein

1.35g(3%)

Fiber

1.1g(4%)

Carbs

2.23g(1%)

Fat

0.22g(0%)

Vitamin C

3.7mg(4%)

Vitamin A

166mcg(18%)

Vitamin K

102mcg(85%)

Iron

1.24mg(7%)

Calcium

35mg(3%)

Potassium

238mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168429)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance to downy mildew

Common Pests

Aphids, slugs, snails, cutworms, flea beetles

Diseases

Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot, tipburn

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Butterhead Boston lettuce take to grow?▼

Butterhead Boston lettuce takes 55-65 days from seed to harvest for full heads. You can start harvesting outer leaves at 30-35 days for baby lettuce, but allow the full time for proper head formation. Cool weather may extend this to 70 days, while warm conditions can reduce it to 50 days.

Can you grow Butterhead Boston lettuce in containers?▼

Yes, Butterhead Boston grows excellently in containers. Use pots at least 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide, with drainage holes. Plant one head per container or space multiple plants 6 inches apart in larger containers. Container growing actually helps prevent soil-borne diseases and makes pest management easier.

Is Butterhead Boston lettuce good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. Boston lettuce is one of the most forgiving varieties for new gardeners. It tolerates temperature fluctuations better than most lettuces, grows in partial shade, and has a longer harvest window. The main requirement is consistent watering, making it ideal for building confidence in lettuce growing.

What does Butterhead Boston lettuce taste like?▼

Butterhead Boston has a mild, sweet, and distinctly buttery flavor with no bitterness. The texture is tender and soft, almost melting in your mouth. The outer leaves are slightly more robust while the inner yellow heart is incredibly delicate and sweet, making it perfect for elegant salads.

When should I plant Butterhead Boston lettuce?▼

Plant Boston lettuce 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost for the best crop. In hot climates, make a second planting in late August for fall harvest. Soil temperature should be at least 35°F for germination. Avoid planting during summer heat as it will bolt quickly and develop bitter flavors.

Boston vs Bibb lettuce - what's the difference?▼

Boston lettuce forms larger, looser heads (4-6 inches) with lighter green outer leaves, while Bibb lettuce creates smaller, more compact heads (3-4 inches) with darker green leaves. Boston is slightly more cold-hardy and has a longer growing season, while Bibb offers more intense flavor in a smaller package.