Troubleshooting
Webb's Wonderful Lettuce problems — and how to fix them
Webb's Wonderful Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bolting
Hot weather or day length triggers premature flowering, making leaves bitter. Sow at the correct time and choose bolt-resistant varieties.
Aphids
Greenfly cluster under leaves and in hearts. Use insecticidal soap or a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Slugs and snails
Major pests on young transplants. Use copper tape, grit barriers, or wildlife-friendly pellets (ferric phosphate).
Tip burn
Brown leaf margins caused by calcium deficiency under heat or humidity. Improve air circulation and ensure consistent watering.
Downy mildew
Yellow patches on upper leaves with grey fuzz beneath. Remove affected leaves; avoid wet foliage overnight.
Prevent webb's wonderful lettuce problems before they start
Most webb's wonderful lettuce issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Webb's Wonderful Lettuce problems — FAQ
Why is my webb's wonderful lettuce bolting?
Hot weather or day length triggers premature flowering, making leaves bitter. Sow at the correct time and choose bolt-resistant varieties.
Why is my webb's wonderful lettuce aphids?
Greenfly cluster under leaves and in hearts. Use insecticidal soap or a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Why is my webb's wonderful lettuce slugs and snails?
Major pests on young transplants. Use copper tape, grit barriers, or wildlife-friendly pellets (ferric phosphate).
Why is my webb's wonderful lettuce tip burn?
Brown leaf margins caused by calcium deficiency under heat or humidity. Improve air circulation and ensure consistent watering.
Why is my webb's wonderful lettuce downy mildew?
Yellow patches on upper leaves with grey fuzz beneath. Remove affected leaves; avoid wet foliage overnight.