Bitter Lettuce

[bgreen415]

My 2 beds are raised and 100% compost. I have built in sprinkler irrigation in both. My wife and I tried multiple different type/varieties of lettuce . In every case it turned out bitter. We think it could be the soil and may try standard potting soil in long planters. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

 

[NwMtGardener]

Hmmm curious. What varieties have you grown? Some ARE sorta bitter, but if you've tried a variety of types and they're all bitter you might be right to think about your soil. Lettuce will do well in a container with potting soil.

 

[thistlebloom]

At what stage are you harvesting it?
Do you remember the variety names?
What was the weather like?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is this recent or last summer? In a greenhouse? When the weather turns hot lettuce will get bitter. You'll see a white milky liquid where you break off a leaf.

 

[bgreen415]

I work in Tulsa during the week so I'll have to look when I get home. They were leaf lettuces though that I've had before that are not typically bitter. Thanks for the input.

 

[bgreen415]

Ridge runner it was last summer in the garden. Do you have any variety suggestions since your so close? Thistlebloom thanks for the input.

 

[baymule]

Summer=heat. Heat=bitter. Lettuce might be better as a fall or early early spring plant for you. I plant in the fall and eat lettuce all winter. First heat of late spring, it turns bitter and bolts to seed.

 

[bgreen415]

Thanks baymule

 

[baymule]

It's totally unfair, the lettuce dies and the tomatoes come on strong. Did anybody say salad substitute??

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have not found any varieties that don't turn bitter when summer hits. I've had good luck with Red Sails but it turns bitter too. I get the seeds from Chicken Holler in Farmington.