Lactuca sativa 'Bibb'
vegetableA small compact butterhead lettuce producing tight, loosely folded heads of soft, buttery-textured leaves with a sweet, mild flavor. Highly regarded by restaurant chefs for presentation and flavor. Bibb is the heirloom butterhead also sold as Kentucky Limestone (originally called limestone lettuce), considered by many the finest American lettuce. It forms beautiful small cups perfect for serving appetizers.
Sun
partial shade
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~55 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
8-10 in
Planting Depth
1/8 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting; light nitrogen side-dress once when heads begin to form
Fertilizer
Balanced granular fertilizer at low rate; compost amended soil preferred
Sow directly 4 to 6 weeks before last frost date, or start indoors 3 weeks early. Bibb forms small tight heads. Space 8 to 10 inches. Needs consistent moisture and cool temperatures for best quality. In warm climates, grow as a fall crop. Mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Plants bolt quickly in heat, so time succession plantings every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous harvest.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 26
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 11
Projected first harvest
Oct 5
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect inner head leaves; water blast early in infestation; insecticidal soap
Beer traps; diatomaceous earth; hand-collect at night
Ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering; space for airflow at base
Calcium deficiency during warm spells; consistent watering and avoiding excess nitrogen
Harvest entire small heads when they form a loose but distinct rosette, typically 5 to 6 inches across. Best flavor before any flower stalk appears. Cut at the base with a sharp knife. The inner leaves are the most prized. Refrigerate unwashed in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
Excellent source of vitamins A and K, folate, and manganese. Inner pale-yellow leaves are more tender but outer green leaves contain more chlorophyll and nutrients. Very low in calories.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting