Lettuce may cope with light freezing and even one or two hard freezes, but once the thermometer reads 25°F or below, the plants are in danger. That level of cold causes ice to form in the plant tissue, regardless of the amount of moisture in the air. As the water expands, it causes cell walls to burst.
What temps can lettuce tolerate?
Lettuce is adapted to cool growing conditions with the optimum temperatures for growth of 60 to 65°F. At 70 to 80°F, the plants flower and produce seed. Lettuce can tolerate a few days of temperatures from 80 to 85°F, provided that nights are cool.
Does lettuce need to be covered from frost?
To protect lettuce in frost-prone areas, plant romaine or butterhead lettuce, which are the most cold-tolerant. When frost is predicted, cover the garden with sheets or towels to provide some protection. This will help in the short term, but if prolonged frost is due, your lettuce is likely in jeopardy.
Does it hurt lettuce to freeze?
In general, lettuce is high in water content, making this leafy vegetable fragile to freezing temperature. Frozen lettuce loses its texture and becomes mushy after thawing. That means you can not use frozen lettuce similarly to fresh lettuce.
How cold can romaine lettuce tolerate?
Tip. A brief frost is unlikely to hurt romaine, or any, lettuce unless it becomes an extended event. Lettuce is considered “hard frost hardy,” which means it can withstand frosts below 28 degrees. If the frost continues unabated, however, the cell walls may form ice, and the plant actually freezes.
Can you grow lettuce outdoors in winter?
September is a great month to plant lettuce for a winter crop. We sow lettuce every two days during the first three weeks of the month. Lettuce seed germinates best at about 70 degrees — although it will also sprout at temperatures in the 40s — and prefers cool nights.
At what temperature should I cover my vegetable garden?
When Should You Cover Plants? Cover your plants at night and remove them during the day when the temperatures rise above 32 degrees F, so that the soil can warm up again. Some outdoor plants won’t survive the harsh conditions of winter, bring them inside and use these tips for caring for them through winter.
Will spinach survive a freeze?
Spinach does very well in cold weather and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees. It can also be an early spring crop if you grow under a row cover or cold frame to protect it from extremes. Late season seedlings can be mulched heavily for the winter when temperatures reach freezing for a nice spring crop.
Can onions survive freeze?
Onions are hardy and can withstand light freezes and snow. Young starts can be susceptible to heavy freezes and require protection. Onion cold and frost protection are simple, but you need to apply the steps before a hard freeze threatens new sprouts.
What plants can survive a freeze?
Leafy vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, kale, collards, and chard can tolerate some frost. Early-spring blooming flowers like crocus, snowdrop, and primrose can all survive the winter, and pansies are particularly resilient.
Will broccoli survive a freeze?
The Big Freeze
Broccoli and cauliflower can usually survive temperatures as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit with only minor damage to the leaves. They may survive even lower temperatures if they are acclimated, but usually anything below 26 F will kill the plants if the weather was warmer leading up to the cold snap.
How do you store lettuce long term?
Proper air circulation and a small amount of moisture will keep your lettuce crisp and fresh. The easiest (and most effective) way to do this is to line a sturdy glass or plastic container with a few paper towels, then scatter your greens on top. Top with a matching lid and refrigerate.
Can strawberries survive frost?
Though strawberry plants thrive in a 60-80 degree Fahrenheit area (15-26 degrees Celsius), they can tolerate up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius) with adequate frost protection. Once they drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, they become distressed. 10 degrees Fahrenheit and below, survival chances are slim.
Can tomatoes survive frost?
A frost, on the other hand, is localized. Low temperatures may or may not reach freezing, but moisture must be in the picture for frost to develop. A frost typically falls overnight but during the following day, temperatures warm. Tomato plants cannot survive frost.
How cold can cucumber plants tolerate?
Cucumber plants only tolerate temperatures down to 55℉ (13℃) before their growth starts to falter. On top of that, cucumber seeds will only germinate when soil temperatures are above 65℉ (18℃). Because cucumbers are not cold-tolerant, it’s important to protect them from cold weather and frost.
How do I protect my lettuce in the winter?
For best results, cover plants with a sturdy cloche. The warmer temperature inside will encourage strong plant growth in autumn, and protect them from the worst of the weather in winter.
Can I plant lettuce in January?
Greens such as lettuce, chard, and arugula can be planted throughout the winter, but make sure to research which best suits your climate during cold weather months. Snowdrops are one of the heartiest blooms around, even producing buds when snow blankets the ground.
Does lettuce regrow after winter?
Lettuce regrows once its leaves have been cut or picked off the main stem. As long as the root is intact in the ground and there are at least 1-2 inches of stem and leaves at the base, lettuce will shoot new growth in as little as a week.
Should you water plants before a freeze?
Cold weather prep for plants in winter
Drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to cold damage, so watering plants a few days in advance of a cold snap is beneficial. Watering just before the freeze can help too by creating warmth, and the water loses its heat slowly over the hours into the colder temperatures.
Will cardboard boxes protect plants from frost?
From that experience, I’ve found the best frost protection for your outdoor plants is either free or cheap. Cardboard boxes and brown grocery sacks make perfect frost cover and at the end of the season can be recycled. I keep various boxes on the patio and when frost is forecast simply put one over the plant.
Can I cover plants with garbage bags?
Yes – if you secure the plant properly. Garbage bags work to cover plants and protect from frost, but they must not be allowed to touch the plant’s surface. Use stakes and supports to create a tent-like structure over the plant, which will retain warm air. Make sure the trash bag goes all the way to the ground.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.