Lettuce
For thousands of years, lettuce (Lactuca sativa), a leafy green vegetable, has been grown for its edible leaves. It is well-known for its reviving flavor and crisp texture and is a widely used ingredient in salads and other cuisines. As a member of the Asteraceae family, lettuce is related to other leafy vegetables like escarole, endive, and chicory.
Lettuce is a vibrant and robust addition to dishes
There are numerous varieties of lettuce, such as:
- Iceberg Lettuce, also known as crisphead lettuce, is a mild-flavored lettuce that is frequently used in salads and sandwiches. It is distinguished by its tight, spherical head and crunchy leaves.
- Romaine (or Cos) Lettuce: This kind is used frequently in Caesar salads and has lengthy, strong leaves with a noticeable rib down the middle.
- Butterhead Lettuce: Also known as Boston or Bibb lettuce, butterhead lettuce has soft, loosely packed leaves and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Leaf Lettuce: This classification comprises types with loose, open heads and delicate, vibrant leaves, such as red leaf, green leaf, lollo types, and oak leaf lettuce.
Because water accounts for nearly 95% of lettuce’s weight, it has a low caloric density. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Even though lettuce doesn’t contain as many nutrients as some other leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, it still has health advantages when included in a balanced diet.
Lettuce can be used in sandwiches, wraps, and even cooked foods like soups and stir-fries in addition to being eaten fresh in salads. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different ways, making it a preferred ingredient in many different cuisines around the world.
Lettuce in Culinary
Lettuce is a vibrant and versatile ingredient that enhances dishes with its visual appeal, diverse textures, and mild flavor. Available in various colors and types, lettuce can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and even cooked recipes. Its subtle taste complements other ingredients, and the range of colors and textures creates an enjoyable eating experience while adding aesthetic value to a variety of culinary creations.
What are the Anti-Oxidants Found in Lettuce?
Vitamin A (beta-carotene): This antioxidant is responsible for the green color in lettuce and is especially abundant in darker varieties. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a vital role in maintaining the immune system, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. It also helps regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
Vitamin E (tocopherols): Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant found in some lettuce varieties. It helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports immune function.
Flavonoids: Lettuce contains various flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Polyphenols: These plant compounds have antioxidant properties and can be found in lettuce in varying amounts depending on the type. Examples of polyphenols in lettuce include chicoric acid and chlorogenic acid, which may contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Growing Lettuce in Hydroponics
Hydroponics, a soilless method of cultivating plants, has gained popularity for growing various crops, including lettuce. This innovative technique utilizes nutrient-rich water solutions to deliver essential nutrients directly to the plant roots. Growing lettuce hydroponically offers several advantages, such as faster growth, higher yields, and reduced risk of soil-borne diseases. Moreover, it enables year-round cultivation, regardless of climate or weather conditions. Hydroponic systems can be established in urban or indoor environments, making them ideal for areas with limited arable land. As the demand for fresh, locally-grown produce increases, hydroponic lettuce cultivation presents a promising and sustainable solution for meeting consumer needs.
The 4 Phases of Lettuce Growth
01
Day 1 | Germination Phase
The sprouting of seed after a dormancy period. When managed properly, the success of germination directly affects seedling production and eventual yield.
02
Day 5 | Seedling | Lag Phase
The slowest phase of lettuce growth through cell division.
03
Day 20 | Growth Phase
Lettuce grow fastest between 20 to 40 days and needs the most nutrients in order to reach its potential size.
At 40 days, it will grow exponentially and will be ready for harvest as a mid-sized lettuce.
04
Day 40 | Maturity Phase
Lettuce becomes heavy and develops full leaf growth at 40 days onwards. It is also at this stage where lettuce becomes bitter when subjected to stress.
The 4 Phases of Lettuce Growth
I
Day 1 | Germination Phase
The sprouting of seed after a dormancy period. When managed properly, the success rate in germination directly leads to success in seedling production. It is very important to choose quality seeds. Use either heirloom seeds or F1 seeds. What one must not use are offspring seeds from F1 grown lettuce. Seeds saved from F1 hybrid plants will not produce plants that are true to the parent type.
Seedling Starter
- Best pH to use in seedling production.
- Use to increase the maximum potential of cellular growth, division, and differentiation.
- Provides the necessary acidity to balance with the non-structural carbohydrate nutrients during the seeds’ sprouting stage.
- Provides the proper water pH conditions necessary for growth during the seedling phase and as the crop enters the lag phase.
- Use up to 20th day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO USE
- Use NutriHydro Seedling Starter right from the beginning, as early as sprouting seeds.
- Use a pH meter to establish a pH baseline. Measure the pH of your water and add NH Seedling Starter to lower the pH. Stir throughly. Measure again and repeat the process until you reach 5.8 pH.
- Use the pH corrected water to mist and start seeds.
- Maintain the pH of your medium using the pH corrected water at 5.8 pH.
Use only NutriHydro Seedling Starter and nothing else within the first 5 days from germination. NutriHydro Seedling Starter contains components that lower pH and promotes the growth of roots during its germination phase.
RISKS
Over soaked seeds: When starting seeds, ensure that the seeds are wet from pH controlled mist but should never be soaking wet. A soaked seed may not germinate at all and causes seeds to die.
Pests: When reusing organic medium such as peats, be sure to check thoroughly from burrowed organisms. Peats are prone as habitats for organisms that consume newly germinated seeds. A good practice is to sterilize peat by using heat or chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Be sure however that if you choose to sanitize reused peat, that it is thoroughly and generously rinsed with water.
The 4 Phases of Lettuce Growth
II
Day 5 | Seedling / Lag Phase
The lag phase is the slowest phase of growth in a lettuce's life cycle. At NutriHydro, the lag phase which it otherwise calls as the seedling stage is defined as the period between germination up to 20 days. At this stage the lettuce continuously divides its cell and such division becomes the basis of the lettuce's growth and is exactly where NutriHydro Lettuce formula focuses its nutrient delivery.
WHAT YOU NEED TO USE
MANAGE pH
Seedling Starter
Use a pH meter to establish a baseline. Measure the pH of your water before putting in any pH adjuster.
Add a few drops of NH Seedling Starter to lower the pH, stir, and measure again. Repeat the process until you reach your desired pH.
Keep media damp and moist with pH controlled water at 5.8 pH.
In growing lettuce, use NH Seedling Starter within the first 20 days during the crop’s seedling/lag phase. NH Seedling Starter contains components that lower pH and promotes the rooting of lettuce during its seedling/lag phase.
- Use up to the 20th day
Lettuce Formula
Use a TDS meter to establish a baseline. Measure the TDS of your reservoir before adding nutrients. Your initial measurement is your base TDS. You will use that number as your starting point. For example, if your water without nutrients measure at TDS 60 ppm and after adding nutrients the TDS measures as 800 ppm, deduct 60 (base TDS) from 800. The result TDS 740 ppm is your true TDS.
On the 5th day, it is optional to introduce your seedlings to nutrients at half strength. In hydroponics slang, this is often called “hardening”. This means that when you introduce your lettuce to nutrients, that you break it in anywhere from TDS 300 to 400 ppm, half the value of what you would normally use in full grown lettuce . What this does is it acclimatize your seedlings to nutrients and prevent any form of shock to your lettuce seedlings.
If you so decide to introducing your lettuce seedling directly to full strength, do not go beyond TDS 600 to 850 ppm. If you wish to feed beyond 850 ppm, be sure to trial first before implementing in your entire system.
- Use up to the day of harvest
Iron Chelate (Optional)
Using NH Iron Chelate is optional. Add 1 to 2 mL per liter of volume in nutrient tank. Use up to maturity.
Commercial growers who use NH Iron Chelate have documented huge improvements over the health of their crops.
In lettuce, the observed improvements begin with a larger than usual stem. The increase stem girth leads to thicker, longer, and and overall richer roots along with exceptionally large and healthy foliage. ​
- Use up to the day of harvest
RISKS
Stunted Growth and Yellowish Appearance: Usually a mismanaged pH. Use NutriHydro pH UP or NutriHydro pH Down and dial down your pH to the correct range. By doing so, your lettuce will fully absorb the nutrients it needs to grow, glow, and become heavier.
Lack Luster in Crop Health: Usually happens when growing in high-density systems. As lettuce grow, some heads will consume more than the others and Iron is one nutrient that is consumed ahead of other micronutrients. Use NutriHydro Iron Chelate to meet the nutrient demand of lettuce as it grows.
Pests: High density cultivation is prone to pests and lettuce is no exception. Use only pesticides that are meant for organic crops. When your only option is to use inorganic pesticides, be sure to use according to manufacturer’s direction and never to use in excess of what is prescribed.
Practice clean cultivation. Sanitize shoes, wear clean and sanitized garments, prevent frequent entries to the greenhouse, prune and discard unhealthy leaves immediately. When possible, use weed mat barriers on the floor of your greenhouse to prevent growth of unwanted weeds that attract pests.
The 4 Phases of Lettuce Growth
III
Day 20 | Growth Phase
Lettuce grows fastest between 20 to 40 days and needs the most nutrients in order to reach its potential size. At 40 days, it will grow exponentially and will be ready for harvest as a mid-sized lettuce. The full potential in size, weight, and leaf quality will be seen from 40 days onwards.
WHAT YOU NEED TO USE
MANAGE pH | Nitrogen Based
Use a pH meter to establish a baseline. Measure the pH of your water before putting in any pH adjuster.
Add a few drops of NutriHydro Nitrogen Based pH Down to lower the pH, stir, and measure again. Repeat the process until you reach your desired pH.
Keep media damp and moist with pH controlled water between 6 to 6.50 pH.
Use NutriHydro Nitrogen based pH Down in growing lettuce from 20th to the 40th day counting from the day of germination. NH Nitrogen Based pH Down contains components that lower pH and promotes the growth of lettuce.
- Â Use up to the 40th day
Lettuce Formula
Use a TDS meter to establish a baseline. Measure the TDS of your reservoir before adding nutrients. Your initial measurement is your base TDS. You will use that number as your starting point. For example, if your water without nutrients measure at TDS 60 ppm and after adding nutrients the TDS measures as 800 ppm, deduct 60 (base TDS) from 800. The result TDS 740 ppm is your true TDS.
On the 5th day, it is optional to introduce your seedlings to nutrients at half strength. In hydroponics slang, this is often called “hardening”. This means that when you introduce your lettuce to nutrients, that you break it in anywhere from TDS 300 to 400 ppm, half the value of what you would normally use in full grown lettuce . What this does is it acclimatize your seedlings to nutrients and prevent any form of shock to your lettuce seedlings.
If you so decide to introducing your lettuce seedling directly to full strength, do not go beyond TDS 600 to 850 ppm. If you wish to feed beyond 850 ppm, be sure to trial first before implementing in your entire system.
- Use up to the day of harvest
Growth Nutrient
Use NutriHydro Growth Nutrient from the 20th to the 40th day during the lettuce’s life cycle. It is at this point that lettuce grows really fast in terms of size. It is likewise at this point when it needs the most nutrient to aid in its growth. NutriHydro Growth Nutrient is chemically engineered to push lettuce to its maximum size potential.
To use NutriHydro Growth Nutrient put equal amounts of 1)Â NutriHydro Grow Solution, 2)Â NutriHydro Bloom Solution, and 3)Â NutriHydro Growth Nutrient. Use a TDS meter and make sure never to go beyond your intended TDS. As a manufacturer’s recommendation, we suggest to keep your TDS between 600 to 850 ppm. If you intend to go beyond this TDS , make sure that you trial a small batch in high TDS before implementing in your entire system.
- Use up the the 40th day
Iron Chelate (Optional)
Using NH Iron Chelate is optional. Add 1 to 2 mL per liter of volume in nutrient tank. Use up to maturity.
Commercial growers who use NH Iron Chelate have documented huge improvements over the health of their crops.
In lettuce, the observed improvements begin with a larger than usual stem. The increase stem girth leads to thicker, longer, and and overall richer roots along with exceptionally large and healthy foliage.
- Use up to the day of harvest
RISKS
Nutrient Burn: Due to the circumstance of putting together high-nutrient to fed to lettuce, there is a chance that a grower might become a bit too excited and end up using more than what is needed causing nutrient burn to lettuce. Be sure to use a well calibrated TDS meter. We further suggest to stay away from cheap TDS meters as these are often unreliable.
Tip Burn:Â Since lettuce grow fastest between 20 to 40 days, it is also at this point when lettuce is prone to tip burn. The rapid foliage leaves calcium behind as calcium is a heavier nutrient element. To manage tip burns caused by calcium deficiency, use NutriHydro Calcium Chelate as a foliar application.
Pests: Fast growing lettuce in a high-density system is a magnet for pests. The bigger the foliage grows, the more conducive it is for pests to grow in number and thrive in your system. As lettuce begin to mature, harvest in between a single row and do this for every row. That space you create is necessary because pests love dense foliage that crowd each other.
When necessary, use only pesticides that are meant for organic crops. When your only option is to use inorganic pesticides, be sure to use according to manufacturer’s direction and never to use in excess of what is prescribed.
Practice clean cultivation. Sanitize shoes, wear clean and sanitized garments, prevent frequent entries to the greenhouse, prune and discard unhealthy leaves immediately. When possible, use weed mat barriers on the floor of your greenhouse to prevent growth of unwanted weeds that attract pests.
The 4 Phases of Lettuce Growth
IV
Day 20 | Growth Phase
The phase where lettuce begins to pack weight. Roots become richer, stem increase in size, and foliage continues to grow. Using NutriHydro Iron Chelate at this point will grow leaves large and thick with a bit of sweet character.
WHAT YOU NEED TO USE
MANAGE pH | Phosphorus Based
Use a pH meter to establish a baseline. Measure the pH of your water before putting in any pH adjuster.
Add a few drops of NutriHydro Phpsphorus Based pH Down to lower the pH, stir, and measure again. Repeat the process until you reach your desired pH.
Keep media damp and moist with pH controlled water between 6 to 6.50 pH.
Use NutriHydro Phosphorus Based pH Down in growing lettuce from 40th to the 60th day counting from the day of germination. NH Phosphorus Based pH Down contains acidity profile that that matches the blooming stage of crops. A matched pH profile at bloom stage improves the overall health and appearance of crops.
- Use up to the day of harvest.
Lettuce Formula
Use a TDS meter to establish a baseline. Measure the TDS of your reservoir before adding nutrients. Your initial measurement is your base TDS. You will use that number as your starting point. For example, if your water without nutrients measure at TDS 60 ppm and after adding nutrients the TDS measures as 800 ppm, deduct 60 (base TDS) from 800. The result TDS 740 ppm is your true TDS.
On the 5th day, it is optional to introduce your seedlings to nutrients at half strength. In hydroponics slang, this is often called “hardening”. This means that when you introduce your lettuce to nutrients, that you break it in anywhere from TDS 300 to 400 ppm, half the value of what you would normally use in full grown lettuce . What this does is it acclimatize your seedlings to nutrients and prevent any form of shock to your lettuce seedlings.
If you so decide to introducing your lettuce seedling directly to full strength, do not go beyond TDS 600 to 850 ppm. If you wish to feed beyond 850 ppm, be sure to trial first before implementing in your entire system.
- Use up to the day of harvest
Growth Nutrient
Use NutriHydro Growth Nutrient from the 20th to the 40th day during the lettuce’s life cycle. It is at this point that lettuce grows really fast in terms of size. It is likewise at this point when it needs the most nutrient to aid in its growth. NutriHydro Growth Nutrient is chemically engineered to push lettuce to its maximum size potential.
To use NutriHydro Growth Nutrient put equal amounts of 1)Â NutriHydro Grow Solution, 2)Â NutriHydro Bloom Solution, and 3)Â NutriHydro Growth Nutrient. Use a TDS meter and make sure never to go beyond your intended TDS. As a manufacturer’s recommendation, we suggest to keep your TDS between 600 to 850 ppm. If you intend to go beyond this TDS , make sure that you trial a small batch in high TDS before implementing in your entire system.
- Use up the the 40th day
Iron Chelate (Optional)
Using NH Iron Chelate is optional. Add 1 to 2 mL per liter of volume in nutrient tank. Use up to maturity.
Commercial growers who use NH Iron Chelate have documented huge improvements over the health of their crops.
In lettuce, the observed improvements begin with a larger than usual stem. The increase stem girth leads to thicker, longer, and and overall richer roots along with exceptionally large and healthy foliage.
- Use up to the day of harvest
RISKS
Bittering Taste: When growing in the tropics, as you get close to 60 days, it is important to reduce the amount of nutrients used in hydroponics. By doing so, you lower the risk of bitter taste from setting in. It is also very important at this point to shift pH control into using NutriHydro Phosphorus Based pH down so the pH profile matches the required bloom as your lettuce crop nears harvest. This will improve the overall health and appearance of lettuce.Â
Tip Burn:Â Beyond 40 days and your lettuce accumulates in size and in weight. Calcium is a relatively heavy nutrient and does not reach tips of foliage as fast as other nutrients do. What you can do is to foliar NutriHydro Calcium Chelate onto foliage so calcium can be absorbed immediately. NutriHydro’s Rapid Nutrient Intervention series of products are very fast-acting nutrient when applied as foliar or as root feeding.
Heat:Â Full grown lettuce plotted densely on a grow system in the tropics is a problem. Lettuce wilts and get tip burns when subjected to too much heat and humidity. To solve, use fans to move the air, use a misting system that does not soak your lettuce, use net shades, and when possible, to use a chiller for your nutrient tank. Growing in the tropics requires a multitude of solutions to manage heat.
Pests: Fast growing lettuce in a high-density system is a magnet for pests. The bigger the foliage grows, the more conducive it is for pests to grow in number and thrive in your system. As lettuce begin to mature, harvest in between a single row and do this for every row. That space you create is necessary because pests love dense foliage that crowd each other.
When necessary, use only pesticides that are meant for organic crops. When your only option is to use inorganic pesticides, be sure to use according to manufacturer’s direction and never to use in excess of what is prescribed.
Practice clean cultivation. Sanitize shoes, wear clean and sanitized garments, prevent frequent entries to the greenhouse, prune and discard unhealthy leaves immediately. When possible, use weed mat barriers on the floor of your greenhouse to prevent growth of unwanted weeds that attract pests.
PLANTING
Aeroponics | Hydroponics | Kratky
In hydroponic systems, the optimal spacing for lettuce depends on the variety and growth stage. Generally, you should follow these guidelines:
- Leaf lettuce: Space plants about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart.
- Romaine (cos) lettuce: Space plants about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) apart.
- Butterhead lettuce: Space plants about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) apart.
- Iceberg (crisphead) lettuce: Space plants about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) apart.
These spacings ensure that lettuce plants have adequate room to grow and access sufficient light, air circulation, and nutrients. Proper spacing also helps to minimize the risk of diseases and pest infestations by reducing overcrowding. Keep in mind that the specific requirements for your hydroponic system may vary depending on factors such as the type of hydroponic system used, the size of the growing area, and environmental conditions. It is essential to monitor and adjust the spacing accordingly as your plants grow to maintain optimal growth and productivity.
Soil | Drip Irrigation
The optimal spacing for lettuce when cultivating on soil depends on the variety and the size of the mature plant. Generally, you should follow these guidelines:
- Leaf lettuce: Space plants about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart within rows, with rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
- Romaine (cos) lettuce: Space plants about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart within rows, with rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
- Butterhead lettuce: Space plants about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart within rows, with rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
- Iceberg (crisphead) lettuce: Space plants about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart within rows, with rows 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart.
These spacings allow the plants to have enough room to grow and develop properly while ensuring adequate air circulation and sunlight exposure. Proper spacing also helps reduce the risk of diseases and pest infestations by minimizing the chances of overcrowding. If you are growing lettuce for baby greens or using the cut-and-come-again method, you can use closer spacing, but be sure to harvest leaves regularly to avoid overcrowding.
Watering by Drenching Method
When using the drenching method for watering lettuce, it is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering or causing waterlogged conditions. Typically, you should water lettuce every 2 to 3 days, depending on factors such as weather conditions, soil type, and the growth stage of the plants. In hotter or drier conditions, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler or more humid conditions, less frequent watering may be necessary. Keep an eye on the soil moisture, ensuring it remains consistently moist but not saturated, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. It’s also a good idea to water early in the day, allowing the leaves to dry before evening, which can help prevent the development of diseases.
WATERING & IRRIGATION
Watering by Drip Irrigation
When cultivating lettuce using a drip irrigation system, the frequency and amount of water given to the plants depend on various factors, such as the soil type, climate, and stage of plant growth. Generally, it’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as lettuce has shallow roots and requires regular watering.
In hot and dry conditions, you may need to water your lettuce daily or even twice a day. During cooler climates or periods of rainfall, you might need to water less frequently. The goal is to maintain consistent soil moisture, so checking the soil daily is crucial. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
As lettuce plants grow and mature, their water requirements may increase. Be prepared to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. When using a drip irrigation system, you can set up a timer to control the frequency and duration of watering, making it easier to manage the water supply consistently.
The amount of water to provide during each irrigation event will depend on the drip emitters’ flow rate and the number of emitters per plant. For example, if you have one emitter per plant with a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per hour (2 liters per hour), you might run the system for 30 minutes to an hour to provide the plants with an adequate amount of water. However, it’s essential to monitor your plants closely and adjust your watering frequency and duration as needed to maintain healthy growth.
Hydroponics
In hydroponic systems, watering lettuce involves providing a nutrient-rich water solution to the plant roots. The frequency and flow rate depend on the type of hydroponic system being used, as well as the growth stage of the lettuce and environmental factors. Generally, lettuce requires consistent access to water and nutrients for optimal growth.
In passive systems, like the wick or raft system, the water solution is available to the plants continuously, and no specific frequency or flow rate is needed. In active systems, like nutrient film technique (NFT) or aeroponics, the water solution is circulated or misted onto the roots at specific intervals.
For most active systems, a flow rate of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 liters per minute per channel (in NFT) or 0.25 to 0.5 liters per minute per nozzle (in aeroponics) is sufficient. The frequency can vary from continuous circulation to intermittent cycles, such as 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, or even longer intervals like one hour on and one hour off, depending on the system and environmental conditions.
It is crucial to monitor the plants, water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels regularly to ensure healthy growth. Adjust the flow rate, frequency, and nutrient concentration as needed based on your observations and the specific requirements of your hydroponic system.
Fertilization
NutriHydro Lettuce Formula – the ultimate solution for growing the healthiest, heaviest, and largest lettuce in the Philippines. Specially engineered for lettuce cultivation, our premium formula ensures outstanding results, whether you’re using hydroponics, aeroponics, drip irrigation, or any other water-soluble fertilizer application method.
NutriHydro Lettuce Formula boasts a unique blend of essential macro and micronutrients, expertly designed to cater to the specific needs of lettuce plants at every stage of growth. The perfectly balanced 8:5:7 (N:P:K) nutrient ratio promotes lush, leafy growth, while the inclusion of vital trace elements guarantees that your lettuce will thrive.
With NutriHydro Lettuce Formula, you can expect the highest quality and yield from your lettuce crops, regardless of the variety. Our proven formula has been rigorously tested and fine-tuned to ensure optimal growth and productivity, earning its reputation as the go-to nutrient solution for lettuce growers throughout the Philippines.
Easy to use and highly effective, NutriHydro Lettuce Formula is the ultimate choice for both hobbyists and commercial growers seeking the best results. Experience the difference that NutriHydro Lettuce Formula brings to your garden and taste the unmatched freshness and flavor of your homegrown lettuce.
Choose NutriHydro Lettuce Formula for exceptional growth, unrivaled taste, and a bountiful harvest that will make your lettuce the envy of growers everywhere.
Lettuce Nutrient Calculator
Concentrate Calculator
Commercial Farm Formula (CFF) Calculator
Pest & Disease Management
Managing pests and diseases in hydroponic lettuce cultivation requires a proactive and integrated approach to ensure a healthy crop. Begin with proper system maintenance and cleanliness, regularly cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and removing plant debris to minimize the risk of disease and pest infestations.
Monitor your lettuce plants closely for any signs of pests or diseases, and take prompt action when necessary. Introduce biological control agents, such as beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or predatory mites, which can help control common pests like aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Implement proper air circulation and temperature control in your growing environment to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. This includes using fans or ventilation systems to maintain consistent airflow and avoiding excess humidity, which can promote disease development.
Use disease-resistant lettuce varieties if possible, as they can help minimize the impact of certain diseases on your crop. Also, avoid reusing nutrient solutions, as pathogens can spread through contaminated water. Regularly check and maintain the pH and nutrient levels of your hydroponic system to support healthy plant growth and reduce the chances of diseases and pests.
When necessary, apply organic or chemical pesticides judiciously, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and considering the potential impact on beneficial organisms. Always ensure that you follow local regulations and guidelines for pesticide use.
By implementing these preventive and control measures, you can effectively manage pests and diseases in your hydroponic lettuce cultivation, ensuring a healthy and productive crop.
Harvesting
Lettuce can be harvested in several ways depending on the type of lettuce and the desired size of the leaves or heads. For leaf lettuce varieties, you can begin harvesting when the leaves are young and tender, usually a few inches long. Gently pick the outer leaves of the plant, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This method, known as the cut-and-come-again technique, allows the plant to produce leaves throughout the growing season.
For romaine and butterhead lettuce, you can either harvest individual leaves as they reach the desired size or wait for the plant to form a loose head. To harvest the entire head, use a sharp knife to cut the plant at the base, just above the soil level.
For iceberg or crisphead lettuce, wait until the heads have fully formed and feel firm to the touch. To harvest the entire head, use a sharp knife to slice it off at the base, just above the soil level. Be sure to handle the harvested lettuce gently to prevent bruising or damaging the leaves.
In all cases, it’s best to harvest lettuce in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler, as this helps to maintain the crispness and quality of the leaves. After harvesting, promptly rinse the lettuce with cool water to remove any dirt or debris and store it in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness.
Record Keeping
Record keeping is an essential practice for lettuce growers of all scales, from small-scale gardeners to large-scale commercial farmers. Maintaining accurate records provides valuable insights and contributes to the overall success of a lettuce growing operation.
Keeping records of planting dates, germination rates, growth progress, and observed pests or diseases can help growers identify patterns, address potential issues, and improve their growing practices. By tracking yield data, such as the weight and size of harvested lettuce, growers can assess the effectiveness of different cultivation methods, varieties, or fertilizers, and make informed decisions to optimize their operations.
For commercial growers, accurate record keeping is crucial for tracking expenses, income, and profitability. This information can be used to create budgets, manage cash flow, and make informed decisions on equipment purchases or expansions. Records of planting dates and locations can help growers implement effective crop rotation strategies, minimizing the risk of soil-borne diseases and maintaining soil fertility.
Commercial growers may be required to maintain records for compliance with local, regional, or national regulations, such as pesticide application records or food safety standards. In the event of a food safety issue or recall, accurate record keeping can help growers quickly identify and address the source of the problem, minimizing potential risks to consumers and protecting their business reputation.
Keeping detailed records also allows growers to track the results of experiments with new varieties, cultivation techniques, or environmental conditions, and apply the lessons learned to improve their growing practices. In summary, practicing record keeping in lettuce cultivation enables growers to make data-driven decisions, improve their growing practices, and ensure the long-term success of their operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Buy
You can buy NutriHydro Products from the following:
Lazada Official Store
Shopee Official Store
NutriHydro Website
Katanim Shopee Official Store
Katanim Lazada Official Store
