Summertime
Lactuca sativa 'Summertime'
The ultimate warm-weather lettuce that thrives when others bolt, producing crisp, sweet heads even in summer heat. This crisphead variety combines the satisfying crunch of iceberg with superior heat tolerance and better flavor. A game-changer for gardeners who want fresh lettuce year-round in warmer climates.
Harvest
70-80d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Summertime in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Summertime · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | July – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | June – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | April – 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 whole heads of Summertime lettuce in the refrigerator crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity (95-98%). Wrap loosely in perforated plastic bags or place in ventilated containers to maintain moisture while preventing condensation buildup. Properly stored heads stay crisp for 2-3 weeks.
For optimal freshness, don't wash until ready to use. Remove any damaged outer leaves before storage. If leaves begin to wilt, revive them by soaking in ice water for 10-15 minutes.
While lettuce doesn't freeze or can well due to its high water content, you can preserve excess harvest by making and freezing lettuce soup or dehydrating outer leaves for smoothie powder. The best preservation method is succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous fresh harvest throughout the growing season.
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 deterrent
Carrots
Loosens soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for nutrients due to different root depths
Radishes
Breaks up compacted soil and deters flea beetles that can damage lettuce
Marigolds
Repels nematodes, aphids, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases and repels various pests
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control aphids
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for space due to compact growth habit
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes heavily for nitrogen and space, can shade lettuce and stunt growth
Sunflowers
Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth, plus creates too much shade
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Exceptional heat tolerance and bolt resistance. Good tip burn resistance.
Common Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Downy mildew, bottom rot, tip burn