What hardiness zones is Lactuca sativa 'Bibb' suitable for?

Lactuca sativa 'Bibb' is a butterhead-type lettuce cultivar in the Asteraceae family, growing 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall and 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) wide in a loose, open rosette. Named after John Bibb of Frankfort, Kentucky, who developed the cultivar in the mid-1800s. Leaves are small, round, thin, tender, with a silky-smooth texture and a buttery flavour. Outer leaves are medium to dark green; inner leaves blanch to pale yellow-green. Days to maturity: 55–65 from direct sow. Bolts rapidly above 75°F (24°C). In the Pacific Northwest, sow March–April and August–September. Susceptible to bottom rot, tipburn, aphids, and slugs.

Native Range

Lactuca sativa is derived from L. serriola, native to the Mediterranean basin. 'Bibb' was developed in Kentucky in the mid-1800s.

Suggested Uses

Fresh eating — salads, lettuce wraps, sandwiches. The pliable leaves make natural wraps for Asian-style lettuce cups.

How to Identify

Identified by the loose rosette of round, thin, buttery-textured leaves. Distinguished from romaine by the round leaf shape and soft texture. Distinguished from 'Boston' butterhead by the smaller head and darker green outer leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 8"

Width/Spread8" - 10"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

yellow

Bloom Information

Yellow composite flowers when bolting. Bolting indicates crop is past quality.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow (bolting)

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green outer; pale yellow-green inner

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

55-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow 0.25 inch deep, thin to 6–8 inches. Full sun to partial shade, moist soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Water 1 inch per week. In PNW, sow March–April and August–September.