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When Can Romaine Lettuce Be Planted in Texas?

It can be quite rewarding to grow and harvest fresh vegetables in your own backyard garden. This activity can be particularly gratifying in Texas, where much of what is planted in the garden is at risk for burning up or melting under the blazing sun. Texas gardeners have learned that timing is critical to ensuring a good harvest and may wonder when they can successfully plant romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia), a crop known for its cool-weather preferences.

  1. What Is Romaine Lettuce?

    • Romaine lettuce (also known as cos lettuce) is a heading lettuce that forms tall, upright and elongated heads. The leaves -- characterized by a firm rib down the center -- are slightly coarser than other types of lettuce, though the inner leaves are especially mild and tasty. The classic choice for Caesar salads, romaine lettuce is a good source of calcium, folate and vitamin A, and the antioxidants contained in its leaves are believed to help prevent cancer. Interestingly, romaine also contains a small amount of protein.

    When to Plant

    • Wherever it's grown, most lettuce germinates best when soil temps and air temperature are below 70 degrees. In central and southern Texas, this means lettuce can be planted in January for a spring harvest (March to April) and in September — assuming temperatures are averaging below 80 degrees Fahrenheit — for a fall harvest (November). North Texans can plant lettuce from mid-February to mid-March and from mid-August to mid-September. Some Texans who grow spring lettuce have extended their growing season by protecting their lettuce beds with shade cloth, available at garden centers.

    Varieties of Romaine Lettuce That Do Well in Texas

    • A number of romaine lettuce varieties -- especially those that are slow to bolt -- do well in Texas. "Parris Island Cos" (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia "Parris Island Cos") is a medium-green lettuce that matures in about 75 days. "Rosalita," (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia "Rosalita") is a deep-red romaine with crispy leaves that's ready in 55 days. " Freckles" (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia "Freckles") offers glossy green, semisavory leaves with maroon speckles.

    Planting Romaine Lettuce

    • As lettuce seeds are very small and fine, be sure that your soil is finely textured and that your seed bed is smooth. Seeds should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Plant the seeds in plugs 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep, and cover them with light sand or screened compost. Press lightly on the surface to firm the soil against the seed, and then mist them well to thoroughly moisten.

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