Overwintering guide
How to overwinter loose-leaf lettuce
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills loose-leaf lettuce in winter
Cutting loose-leaf lettuce hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More loose-leaf lettuce care
Overwintering loose-leaf lettuce — FAQ
Does loose-leaf lettuce need to come indoors for winter?
Loose-leaf Lettuce is hardy to roughly USDA zone 2 — winter lows around -46°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Loose-leaf Lettuce is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move loose-leaf lettuce for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water loose-leaf lettuce in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills loose-leaf lettuce over winter?
Cutting loose-leaf lettuce hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.