Last edited on 2 Nov 2026. View history

Finger Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Also known as Green Oakleaf (EN)

A variety of lettuce

How to sow finger lettuce: Direct seed outdoors, thin to 20cm when seedlings are 3cm tall

Sun requirement for finger lettuce: Plant in Partial Sun

An easy-to-grow, reliable leaf-picking oakleaf-shaped lettuce, often called Green Oakleaf in other catalogues, with densely packed leaves in the middle that are lighter green than the outside. Sow in trays in spring and autumn, or in summer under shade, prick out at 2.5 cm and transplant at 3.5 cm high at 30 cm diagonal spacing.

0: plantings
0: harvests
0: seed packets

Growstuff is a free, community-run site for people who grow food. Keep track of what you plant and harvest, find seeds to swap, and see what is growing near you. Join to record your own finger lettuces.

Finger lettuce facts

Lifespan

Annual living and reproducing in a single year or less

Growing finger lettuces

deterring pests

place tilted jars of yeast+warm water (or beer) as slug traps at planting out every month

Growing lettuce

Sow seeds in trays 3 weeks before planting out
Dig compost into the bed 1 week before planting out
Water regularly at planting out every week
Weed around the seedlings 2 weeks after planting out
Sow another batch for a continuous harvest 4 weeks after planting out every month
Start picking the outer leaves at first harvest
Pull out plants that have bolted 6 weeks after first harvest