How Much Water Does Butterhead Lettuce Require?

Leaves of butterhead lettuce are emerald green outside and pale green inside.


A relatively hardy vegetable, Butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa, var capitata), displays small, open, loose-leaved heads much like a rose in full bloom. This sweet, mild-flavored, cool-weather lettuce, which includes varieties such as "Boston," "Buttercrunch" and "Bibb," requires approximately 60 to 70 days from seed to harvest. Quality, texture and flavor requires consistent, even watering and soil that is neither too wet nor too dry.


A shallow-rooted plant, butterhead lettuce benefits from frequent, light waterings. Although water requirements depend on temperatures and soil, butterhead generally requires 1 to 2 inches per week. Never allow the soil to become either bone dry or soaking wet, because drastic moisture fluctuations can cause leaves with a tough texture, bitter flavor, and inconsistent or slow growth. Additionally, excessively dry soil may cause tip burn, or browning of the leaf edges.


If possible, water butterhead lettuce with a drip irrigation system or soaker hose because wet leaves are more susceptible to rot and other moisture-related diseases. A 1- to 2-inch layer of straw, dry grass clippings or other organic mulch keeps the roots evenly cool and moist. However, don't allow the mulch to touch the stems. The moist mulch attracts slugs and other pests, and may causes disease.

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