Buttercrunch lettuce has become a favorite among home gardeners and small-scale growers for good reason. With its soft, velvety leaves, sweet flavor, and compact growth habit, this variety is easy to grow, forgiving to beginners, and adaptable to different growing systems—whether you're planting in raised beds, containers, or hydroponic setups.
If you're interested in growing a lettuce that consistently performs well in cool weather, resists bolting better than most leaf lettuces, and delivers both visual appeal and rich flavor, Buttercrunch lettuce checks all the boxes.
This guide walks through everything you need to know to grow Buttercrunch lettuce from seed to harvest—covering soil preparation, seed starting, transplanting, watering, pest control, and harvesting techniques to ensure a long, productive season.
What Is Buttercrunch Lettuce?
Buttercrunch lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Buttercrunch') is a type of butterhead lettuce known for its tight, slightly open heads and soft, thick leaves. The inner leaves form a loosely packed rosette that is tender, sweet, and perfect for salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
It was developed at Cornell University and has since become one of the most popular lettuce varieties in North America. It’s prized for its ability to resist heat and bolting better than many other lettuces, and it maintains its crisp texture even in warmer temperatures.
Benefits of Growing Buttercrunch Lettuce
Before digging into how to grow it, it's worth understanding why Buttercrunch is such a standout:
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Heat tolerant for a lettuce variety
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Slow to bolt compared to other butterhead types
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Compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or containers
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Highly nutritious, rich in vitamin A and potassium
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Mild, buttery flavor with crunchy inner leaves
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Great for succession planting or hydroponic setups
Ideal Conditions for Growing Buttercrunch Lettuce
Lettuce thrives in cooler conditions, and Buttercrunch is no exception—though it does handle warm spells better than most. To get the most from your crop, pay close attention to these key environmental factors:
Temperature
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Optimal germination range: 60–70°F (15–21°C)
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Ideal growing range: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
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Tolerates: Down to 40°F (4°C); up to 80°F (26°C) briefly
Avoid planting in the peak of summer unless you're in a mild climate or using shade cloth to reduce heat stress.
Light
Buttercrunch requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, which can help prevent bolting.
In hydroponic or indoor setups, provide 14–16 hours of artificial light using LED or fluorescent grow lights.
Soil
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pH range: 6.0 to 6.8
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Texture: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil
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Amendments: Compost or aged manure improves water retention and fertility
A sandy loam or loamy mix enriched with organic matter supports root development and nutrient uptake.
Starting Buttercrunch Lettuce from Seed
Direct Sowing
Buttercrunch seeds can be planted directly into garden soil or containers:
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Prepare the bed by loosening soil to 6–8 inches deep and raking it level.
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced about 1 inch apart in rows.
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Keep the soil moist—seeds need consistent moisture to germinate.
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Thin seedlings to 6–10 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Indoor Starting
To get an early start or extend your harvest:
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Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
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Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
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Maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C).
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Seeds germinate in 7–10 days.
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Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
Buttercrunch seedlings are easy to transplant because they’re compact and develop sturdy root systems quickly.
Transplanting Buttercrunch Lettuce
When seedlings have at least 2–3 true leaves and are 2–3 inches tall, they’re ready to transplant.
Transplant Spacing
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In rows: Space plants 6–10 inches apart
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Between rows: 12–18 inches
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Containers: One plant per 6- to 8-inch pot or spaced in planters
Water the seedlings well before transplanting and plant during the cooler part of the day—early morning or late afternoon.
Growing Buttercrunch Lettuce in Containers
Buttercrunch’s compact size and shallow roots make it perfect for container growing.
Container Tips:
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Use a container at least 6–8 inches deep
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Choose a potting mix rich in compost or organic matter
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Ensure good drainage—roots hate soggy soil
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Water frequently, as containers dry out faster than garden beds
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Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 10–14 days
It’s also suitable for vertical garden systems and hydroponic planters due to its manageable size and fast growth.
Watering and Feeding
Buttercrunch lettuce requires consistent moisture to stay tender and prevent stress, which can lead to bolting or bitter leaves.
Watering Guidelines
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Water 2–3 times per week, depending on weather
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Keep the soil evenly moist—not waterlogged
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Avoid overhead watering if possible to reduce disease risk
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Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilizing
Lettuce is a relatively light feeder but benefits from nitrogen during early growth:
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Add compost or balanced organic fertilizer at planting time
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Use fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or compost tea every 2–3 weeks
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In hydroponics, maintain an EC of 1.2–1.8 and pH between 5.5–6.5
Pests and Diseases
Buttercrunch lettuce is generally low-maintenance, but like any leafy green, it's vulnerable to a few common problems.
Common Pests
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Aphids: Tiny sap-sucking insects found on leaf undersides. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Slugs and snails: Especially problematic in damp conditions. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
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Cutworms: Can sever seedlings at the base. Use collars or delay transplanting until plants are larger.
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Leaf miners: Burrow through leaves. Remove and destroy affected foliage.
Diseases
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Downy mildew – Yellowish patches on leaves. Prevent with good airflow and avoid overhead watering.
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Bottom rot or damping off – Caused by overly wet soil. Ensure drainage and avoid overwatering.
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Tip burn – Caused by calcium deficiency or rapid growth. Maintain consistent moisture and avoid excess nitrogen.
Crop rotation and proper spacing go a long way in reducing disease risk.
Harvesting Buttercrunch Lettuce
Buttercrunch can be harvested at multiple stages depending on how you want to use it.
1. Baby Greens
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Harvest individual outer leaves 3–4 weeks after planting.
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Cut 1 inch above the base so plants can regrow.
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Perfect for salads and sandwiches.
2. Mature Heads
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Ready in 50–60 days from seed
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The head will form a loose rosette about 6–8 inches in diameter
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Cut at the base with a sharp knife in the early morning for crispness
Refrigerate immediately after harvest to preserve texture and flavor.
Succession Planting for Extended Harvests
One of the best strategies for enjoying Buttercrunch lettuce over an entire season is succession planting:
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Start new seeds every 2–3 weeks from early spring through late summer
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Use different planting zones or rotate containers
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This ensures a steady supply of fresh lettuce rather than one large harvest
In warm climates, plant fall crops in late summer and protect with row covers or cold frames.
Growing Buttercrunch Lettuce Hydroponically
Buttercrunch performs exceptionally well in hydroponic systems, especially nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), or Kratky setups.
Key Hydroponic Guidelines:
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Maintain EC between 1.2–1.8 and pH between 5.5–6.5
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Keep water temperatures around 65–70°F (18–21°C)
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Provide 14–16 hours of light daily
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Use net cups with hydroton or rockwool cubes
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Harvest in 30–45 days depending on growth conditions
Hydroponic Buttercrunch tends to be cleaner, more uniform, and faster-growing than soil-grown crops.
Seed Saving and Companion Planting
Buttercrunch is open-pollinated, so it’s possible to save seeds for next season. Allow a few plants to bolt and flower, then collect the tiny seeds when pods dry.
It pairs well with:
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Carrots
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Radishes
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Beets
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Onions
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Marigolds (pest deterrent)
Avoid planting near brassicas, which can outcompete lettuce for nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Buttercrunch lettuce is one of the most rewarding leafy greens for gardeners and small-scale growers alike. It’s compact, delicious, and adaptable to many environments. Whether you're planting in backyard beds, patio containers, or indoor hydroponic systems, Buttercrunch delivers consistent yields of buttery leaves with minimal fuss.
By mastering the basics of seed starting, transplanting, watering, and timing, you can enjoy a nearly continuous harvest of this crisp, tender lettuce from spring through fall—and even year-round in controlled environments.