Lechuga Mantequilla
Lactuca sativa var. capitata
De un vistazo
La lechuga mantequilla (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) forma cabezas sueltas y redondeadas de hojas extraordinariamente suaves y delicadas, con una textura mantecosa que se deshace en la boca. Incluye variedades clásicas como Boston y Bibb, y es considerada la lechuga de mayor calidad gastronómica, perfecta para ensaladas elegantes y como envoltorio natural de carnes y mariscos.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Siembra
Las semillas diminutas se siembran en la superficie o apenas cubiertas porque la lechuga mantequilla necesita luz para germinar.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
No entierres las semillas; presiónalas sobre el sustrato húmedo y mantenlas uniformemente húmedas en un lugar fresco.
Butter lettuce seedlings just days after sowing — the fine seeds need light to germinate
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Lechuga Mantequilla
Mayo
Mes actualContinue succession planting every 10-14 days for continuous harvest. Harvest early-planted heads as they reach full size. Provide afternoon shade in zones 8+ as temperatures rise — bolt-resistant varieties like Buttercrunch are essential for late spring plantings.
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Datos fascinantes sobre Lechuga Mantequilla
Butter lettuce gets its name from the remarkably silky, almost oily texture of its leaves — they literally feel buttery smooth to the touch, a quality caused by their unusually thin cell walls and high water content compared to other lettuce types.
Siembre directamente o inicie en interiores 4-5 semanas antes del trasplante. Siembre en la superficie o a apenas 0,5 cm de profundidad, ya que las semillas necesitan algo de luz para germinar. Mantenga a 15-20 °C para germinación en 5-10 días.
Trasplante o aclare a 20-25 cm entre plantas en filas de 30 cm. La lechuga mantequilla prefiere temperaturas frescas de 10-18 °C y se espiga rápidamente con calor. Riegue frecuentemente para mantener suelo uniformemente húmedo. Aplique acolchado para frescura.
Fertilice cada 2-3 semanas con abono equilibrado rico en nitrógeno para hojas tiernas. Siembre sucesivamente cada 2 semanas para cosecha continua. En verano, siembre en sombra parcial o use tela de sombreo.
Succession-planted butter lettuce ensures a continuous supply of fresh heads every week
Butter lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) belongs to the butterhead group of lettuces, one of the oldest cultivated vegetable types in human history. Wild lettuce (Lactuca serriola) originated in the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East, and its domestication began in ancient Egypt around 2680 BCE. Egyptian tomb paintings depict tall, bolting lettuce plants grown for their oily seeds and the milky sap in their stems, which was associated with fertility and used in religious rituals. These early lettuces bore little resemblance to modern heading types.
The Romans advanced lettuce cultivation significantly, developing varieties with broader, more tender leaves and selecting for plants that formed loose heads rather than bolting immediately. The name Lactuca derives from the Latin 'lac' (milk), referring to the white latex in the stems. By the medieval period, distinct butterhead types with soft, folding leaves were being grown in monastery gardens across France and the Low Countries. European plant breeders over the following centuries refined these into the smooth, heading butterheads we recognize today.
Two landmark American butterhead varieties emerged in the 19th century that remain popular today. Boston lettuce was developed in the 1860s in the greenhouses around Boston, Massachusetts, and became the standard greenhouse lettuce of the northeastern United States. Bibb lettuce was developed by John Bibb, an amateur horticulturist in Frankfort, Kentucky, around 1865 — his smaller, darker-leaved variety became prized for its exceptionally tender texture and sweet flavor. Today, butter lettuce is grown commercially on every inhabited continent, with significant production in the Netherlands, France, Spain, the United States, and increasingly in hydroponic vertical farms. Modern breeding continues to produce varieties with improved bolt resistance, disease tolerance, and shelf life while preserving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines the butterhead type.
Siembre en superficie o a 0,5 cm de profundidad. Las semillas necesitan algo de luz para germinar. No siembre a más de 25 °C, ya que la germinación se inhibe. Para verano, pre-germine en refrigerador 24-48 horas antes de sembrar.
Suelos ricos, sueltos y bien drenados con pH 6,0-7,0. Enmiende con compost maduro. Fertilice con abono rico en nitrógeno para hojas tiernas. Las lechugas tienen raíces superficiales; mantenga humedad constante en los primeros centímetros del suelo.
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10°C – 20°C
50°F – 68°F
Butter lettuce is a true cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures. The ideal growing range is 10-20°C (50-68°F), producing the sweetest flavor and most tender texture. Growth slows significantly below 7°C (45°F) but plants tolerate light frost down to -2°C (28°F) with some leaf damage. Above 24°C (75°F), growth becomes stressed, leaves turn bitter, and bolting is triggered rapidly. Seed germination is inhibited above 25°C (77°F) — a phenomenon called thermodormancy — making summer sowing challenging without cooling strategies.
Problemas comunes que afectan a Lechuga Mantequilla y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
El espigado prematuro es el mayor desafío, causado por calor, días largos o estrés hídrico. Las babosas adoran las hojas tiernas. Las hojas internas pueden albergar pulgones invisibles desde fuera. El exceso de calor produce hojas amargas y duras.
Crece bien junto a rábanos que maduran antes de que la lechuga necesite todo el espacio. Las zanahorias, fresas y cebolletas son buenos compañeros. Evite plantar junto a perejil que puede inhibir su crecimiento.
- 1Succession planting is the single most important technique for butter lettuce success. Sow a small batch every 10-14 days from early spring through late autumn rather than one large planting — this ensures a continuous supply of heads at peak quality instead of a glut followed by nothing.
- 2Never bury butter lettuce seeds. They require light to germinate — simply press seeds onto moist soil surface and mist gently. Covering even with 5mm of soil can reduce germination rates from 90% to under 30%.
- 3Heat is the enemy. In warm climates, grow butter lettuce as a spring and autumn crop, skipping summer entirely. Use 40-50% shade cloth to extend the season by 2-3 weeks in spring and start 2-3 weeks earlier in autumn.
- 4Water consistently and shallowly. Butter lettuce has a shallow root system concentrated in the top 15 cm of soil. Irregular watering causes tip burn (brown leaf edges) and bitter flavor. Drip irrigation on a timer is ideal.
- 5Harvest entire heads in the early morning when leaves are coolest and most turgid. Afternoon-harvested lettuce wilts faster and stores poorly. Plunge harvested heads into cold water immediately to extend freshness by several days.
- 6Interplant butter lettuce between slower-growing crops like tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas. The lettuce matures and is harvested before the larger plants need the space — this doubles your garden's productivity per square meter.
- 7Protect against slugs from day one. Butter lettuce is a slug magnet due to its tender, low-growing leaves and the moist environment underneath. Use copper tape around bed edges, beer traps, or iron phosphate bait before damage appears.
- 8Grow in containers with excellent results. A 20-25 cm pot is sufficient for one head, and a window box can hold 3-4 plants. Container growing makes it easy to move plants into shade during heat waves and brings fresh lettuce to a balcony or patio.
Coseche cabezas completas cuando estén llenas pero antes de que el centro se alargue (signo de espigado), unos 55-70 días tras la siembra. Corte a nivel del suelo por la mañana temprano. También puede cosechar hojas exteriores progresivamente para extender la producción.
Morning-harvested butter lettuce at peak quality — tender leaves still glistening with dew
La lechuga mantequilla es la más delicada y perecedera: consérvela en refrigerador en bolsa de plástico con papel absorbente 3-5 días máximo. Lave justo antes de usar. No se puede congelar ni conservar; consúmala fresca.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
13
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Exceptionally rich in vitamin A as beta-carotene, providing 66% of the daily value per 100g — essential for vision, immune function, and skin health
- Good source of vitamin K, providing about 100mcg per 100g (85% DV), critical for blood clotting and bone metabolism
- Contains folate (B9) important for cell division and DNA synthesis, making butter lettuce especially valuable during pregnancy
- One of the lowest-calorie foods available at just 13 calories per 100g, making it an excellent base for volume eating and weight management
- Provides iron (1.2mg per 100g) in a form that pairs well with the vitamin C in salad dressings, improving absorption
- High water content of about 96% contributes to daily hydration, while minerals like potassium and manganese support electrolyte balance
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
A packet of butter lettuce seeds ($2-4) contains 500-1,000 seeds — enough for an entire season of succession planting. A single head of organic butter lettuce costs $3-5 at the grocery store and often wilts within days of purchase. Growing just 2 heads per week for a 16-week spring-to-autumn season produces 32 heads worth $96-160 at retail prices, all from a $3 seed packet and minimal inputs. Hydroponic butter lettuce sold as 'living lettuce' retails for $4-6 per head, making homegrown savings even more dramatic.
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Lechuga Mantequilla frescos
Classic Butter Lettuce Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
10 minAn elegant French-inspired salad that lets the silky texture of butter lettuce shine. The gentle leaves pair perfectly with a creamy Dijon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and a scattering of toasted walnuts for contrast.
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
25 minSavory stir-fried chicken in a sweet-salty sauce spooned into cupped butter lettuce leaves — a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light dinner. The crisp, cool lettuce provides the perfect contrast to the hot, boldly seasoned filling.
Butter Lettuce with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Pecans
15 minA sophisticated autumn salad combining the melt-in-your-mouth texture of butter lettuce with ripe pear slices, crumbled blue cheese, and candied pecans. A maple-sherry vinaigrette ties all the flavors together beautifully.
The silky leaves of butter lettuce make an elegant base for delicate salads and vinaigrettes
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Lechuga Mantequilla caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 25cm.
16
Lechuga Mantequilla plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
4 columnas × 4 filas a 25cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de lechuga mantequilla más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
Buttercrunch
La variedad mantequilla más popular: cabezas compactas con corazón crujiente y hojas exteriores suaves. Resistente al espigado. Madura en 55 días.
Bibb (Limestone)
Variedad premium de Kentucky con cabezas pequeñas y perfectas. Sabor mantecoso excepcional. Madura en 60 días.
Tom Thumb
Variedad miniatura perfecta para macetas y espacios pequeños. Cabezas del tamaño de una pelota de tenis. Madura en 48 días.
Merveille des Quatre Saisons
Variedad francesa heritage con hojas teñidas de rojo. Muy hermosa y de excelente sabor. Madura en 60 días.
La lechuga mantequilla es la reina de las ensaladas gourmet, servida con vinagreta ligera para no aplastar sus delicadas hojas. Es perfecta como envoltorio natural para carnes asiáticas (lettuce wraps), mariscos y arroz. Las hojas grandes forman copas ideales para servir ensaladas individuales.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Lechuga Mantequilla?
Planta Lechuga Mantequilla en Marzo, Abril, Septiembre, Octubre. Toma aproximadamente 55 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Mayo, Junio, Octubre, Noviembre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Lechuga Mantequilla?
Lechuga Mantequilla crece bien junto a Zanahoria, Rábano, Cebollín Chino. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Lechuga Mantequilla?
Lechuga Mantequilla prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 2 a 10. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 1 a 11.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Lechuga Mantequilla?
Lechuga Mantequilla requiere Sol parcial (3-6h). Esto significa 3-6 horas de luz solar, idealmente sol de mañana con sombra de tarde.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Lechuga Mantequilla?
Espacia las plantas de Lechuga Mantequilla a 25cm (10 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Lechuga Mantequilla?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Babosas y caracoles, Mildiu de la lechuga (Bremia lactucae), Pulgón de la lechuga (Nasonovia ribisnigri). La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Lechuga Mantequilla después de la cosecha?
La lechuga mantequilla es la más delicada y perecedera: consérvela en refrigerador en bolsa de plástico con papel absorbente 3-5 días máximo. Lave justo antes de usar. No se puede congelar ni conservar; consúmala fresca.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Lechuga Mantequilla para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen Buttercrunch, Bibb (Limestone), Tom Thumb, Merveille des Quatre Saisons. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Lechuga Mantequilla?
Suelos ricos, sueltos y bien drenados con pH 6,0-7,0. Enmiende con compost maduro. Fertilice con abono rico en nitrógeno para hojas tiernas. Las lechugas tienen raíces superficiales; mantenga humedad constante en los primeros centímetros del suelo.
Why did my butter lettuce bolt before forming a proper head?
Bolting is triggered by heat (temperatures consistently above 24°C/75°F), long day length (over 14 hours), and water stress. Once bolting begins, it cannot be reversed. To prevent it, plant bolt-resistant varieties like Buttercrunch or Optima, provide afternoon shade in warm weather, maintain consistent soil moisture, and time your plantings so heads mature during cool weather rather than approaching summer heat.
Why do my butter lettuce leaves have brown edges (tip burn)?
Tip burn is caused by calcium deficiency at the leaf tips, usually triggered by inconsistent watering rather than a lack of calcium in the soil. When soil moisture fluctuates between too dry and too wet, the plant cannot transport calcium to rapidly growing leaf edges fast enough. Maintain even soil moisture with mulch and regular watering. High humidity, excessive nitrogen, and rapid growth in warm weather also contribute to tip burn.
Can I grow butter lettuce indoors year-round?
Yes, butter lettuce is one of the best vegetables for indoor growing. It needs 12-14 hours of light from full-spectrum LED grow lights positioned 15-20 cm above the plants, temperatures of 15-20°C (60-68°F), and consistent moisture. A sunny south-facing windowsill works in winter but usually needs supplemental lighting. Compact varieties like Tom Thumb and Little Gem are especially well-suited to indoor growing. Hydroponic systems like Kratky or simple deep water culture work excellently.
How do I store harvested butter lettuce to keep it fresh longest?
Wash the head gently in cold water, spin dry or blot with towels, then wrap loosely in a slightly damp paper towel and place in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Stored this way, homegrown butter lettuce keeps for 5-7 days — far longer than store-bought. Never store near apples, bananas, or tomatoes, as their ethylene gas causes rapid browning and decay. For same-day use, stand the cut stem in a glass of cold water like a bouquet.
What is the difference between Boston and Bibb butter lettuce?
Both are butterhead lettuces but differ in size and character. Boston lettuce forms larger, looser heads (20-25 cm across) with pale green, very tender leaves — it is the standard commercial butterhead. Bibb lettuce (developed in Kentucky in the 1860s) is smaller (10-15 cm), more compact, with slightly darker leaves that sometimes have reddish edges. Bibb is generally considered more flavorful and tender but yields less per plant. Both grow in identical conditions.
Is butter lettuce worth growing compared to buying it at the store?
Absolutely. Homegrown butter lettuce harvested minutes before eating has a sweetness, crunch, and vitality that store-bought lettuce — which is typically 5-10 days old by the time you eat it — simply cannot match. A single $3 seed packet produces 30-50 heads over a season, replacing $100-250 worth of organic lettuce at retail prices. It is also one of the fastest, easiest, and most space-efficient crops to grow, making it ideal for beginning gardeners.
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Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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