Lettuce

Days to harvest

30–45 days

Sunlight

5–7 hours/day

Watering

1–1 per day

Plant spacing

20 cm

Minimum container size

15cm deep × 20cm wide

Container-friendly

2 plants per container

Estimated yield

120 kg / 100m²

Life span

annual

Climate Requirements

Ideal temperature

20-28 °C

Annual rainfall

1000-2000 mm

Humidity

50-70%

Heat tolerance

low

Drought tolerance

low

Heat-sensitive. In urban KL/Penang (>34°C), provide afternoon shade net (50-70%). Best planted Nov-Feb during cooler monsoon season. El Niño years: delay planting to Dec-Jan.

Soil & Planting

Companion Plants

• Spring Onionstrong

  Spring onion allium border around lettuce beds repels slugs and aphids — the two primary pests of lettuce in Malaysia's humid climate

• Bird's Eye Chilimoderate

  Capsaicin volatiles from chili plants confuse aphid colonisation of adjacent lettuce; chili and lettuce share compatible irrigation in containers

• Red Onionmoderate

  Onion deters aphids from lettuce; compatible growth habits

Common Pests & Diseases

Safety Notes

Consumed raw — extra caution with pesticides required. Use only food-safe organic sprays. Observe minimum 14-day PHI. Wash individual leaves thoroughly. Avoid chemical pesticides near harvest time.

Market Demand

Growing demand for salads

Regional Notes

Prefers cooler highlands

Sources

• Leafy Vegetables for Malaysian Climate — MARDI · Last reviewed: 2024-07-10