Butter Crunch Lettuce
Seeds Per Plug: 1
Light requirement: 12 hours on – 12 hours off
Watering Schedule: 15 minutes every hour – off for 8 hours
Nutrients: Veg A & B Every 3 Weeks
Yield: 1 Head
Growing Cycle: 6 Weeks from Seed
Plant Spacing: 1 Plug Every 6 inches
What to Expect
Buttercrunch Lettuce, one of my favourites to recommend to beginner growers, since it’s one of the most straightforward crops to grow.
You’re going to start with 1 seed per plug and leave it in your germination tray until it has 5-6 leaves, each about 1 inch long. When planting, I recommend spacing your seedlings 6 inches apart, allowing for 8 heads of lettuce per tower. From here, add your A & B veg nutrients every 3 weeks, and watch your babies grow!
HARVESTING
Once in the tower, your lettuce should take about 4 weeks to reach harvest. You can either take the plant right out and enjoy your delicious butterhead lettuce, or you can cut your lettuce head near the base of the plant (not right at the plug) and let it grow for another cycle.
You should be able to harvest your lettuce 2-3 times before needing to replace the plug, and the cycles should get shorter as the plant matures.
Your lettuce may look a little funny on the second cycle. I’ve noticed with mine that the plant seems to split into 2-3 heads, but you’re left with the same results.
Seed Recommendation
- US Growers
- Canadian Growers
Troubleshooting & Such
Why aren’t my seeds germinating?
There are several reasons your seeds aren’t germinating. The first is the quality of the seed; try to pick ones you know are fresh and from a reliable source. I linked the ones I used on the first page. Your pods may also be too dry. You want to keep your pods wet, but not soaked. Additionally, you want to make sure your seedlings are getting sufficient light and a consistent temperature between 21 and 25 degrees C.
I have pests! Now what?
First, make sure there are no plants in the soil near your hydroponic system, and limit its exposure to dogs and other pets that frequently go outside. If you can sacrifice the infected plant, the easy thing to do is remove it to save the rest of your plants. Subsequently, use a soap-and-water or hydrogen peroxide-and-water solution on your plants daily. You also want to give your entire system a thorough cleaning before replanting plants in it.
My plant looks discoloured or a bit fried.
If your leaves are discoloured (often yellow), this is typically a nutrient deficiency. Test your pH & EC to see where your levels are. Add pH or nutrient accordingly. If the leaves look crispy, this is often due to too much light. Your light may be too close to the plant, or are running for too long. Typically, you want your plant at least a foot from the light, and not exposed to light for more than 18 hours.
Why does my system have Algae?
Almost every hydroponic system has algae. This is bound to happen when you mix water and direct light. There are several ways to reduce algae, including having a dry period where your pump is not running and ensuring your water sources are covered. My ZipGarden comes with 2 drip tray covers for this exact reason: they reduce light exposure to water and limit algae growth in the tray. If you have a ZipGrow system, your wicking strips will get algae on them. It doesn’t pose a risk to the plant’s health or quality.If your leaves are discoloured (often yellow), this is typically a nutrient deficiency. Test your pH & EC to see where your levels are. Add pH or nutrient accordingly. If the leaves look crispy, this is often due to too much light. Your light may be too close to the plant, or are running for too long. Typically, you want your plant at least a foot from the light, and not exposed to light for more than 18 hours.
Can I Regrow more lettuce from the same plant?
Yes! Once your lettuce is ready to harvest, you can cut it close to the core of the lettuce. Try not to cut it right at the plug, leave about 1/2 inch for the leaves to regrow. Every time I’ve done this, the plant seems to split into three, and grow three separate heads (It’s kind of cool).
Things to Remember...
- Make sure your reservoir is large enough to last at least a week without refilling.
- Be sure to plant your lettuce heads at least 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
- Vent your seedling before taking the dome off.
- Don’t leave your lights on for an extended period if your pump is off.
- Find a pump that is appropriate for your hydroponic set up.
- Be patient with your plants, they won’t be ready overnight!
The Hydroponic Kitchen Rules to Grow By
- Remember, in hydroponics, there are a dozen ways to get the same result, and there is still so much more to uncover.
