Leafy green
Can you grow Lettuce on a balcony?
Lactuca sativa
Yes — great in containers
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 15 litres (about 15 cm deep). It needs partial shade — around 5+ hours of direct sun a day. Cut-and-come-again leaves in about a month; hearting lettuce ~45-65 days, pick when firm and about 15cm across. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
⛅ Partial shade (5+ h)
Min. pot
15 L · 15 cm
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
Annual
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Sow little and often spring to late summer; baby leaves in shallow pots, hearting types in larger containers at least 30cm wide
Harvest
Cut-and-come-again leaves in about a month; hearting lettuce ~45-65 days, pick when firm and about 15cm across
Good companions: Garlic, basil, sage, alyssum, carrots, beets
Balcony tip: Baby salad leaves grow in any pot over 15cm deep with good drainage; give afternoon shade in hot weather to stop bolting.
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More leafy greens for balconies
Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Lettuce need?
Lettuce needs a container of at least 15 litres, roughly 15 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Lettuce need on a balcony?
Lettuce wants partial shade — about 5+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Lettuce?
Sow little and often spring to late summer; baby leaves in shallow pots, hearting types in larger containers at least 30cm wide. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Lettuce
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Lettuce
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.