Bibb Butterhead Lettuce | Tiny Town Farms
Fresh, Tender, and Pesticide-Free | Grown Sustainably Year-Round
| Nutrient | Amount | %RDI |
|---|---|---|
Calories | 13 kcal | <1% |
Vitamin K | 105 mcg | 88% |
Vitamin A | 740 IU | 15% |
Folate | 36 mcg | 9% |
Potassium | 194 mg | 6% |
Fiber | 1.1 g | 5% |
FAQs About Bibb Butterhead Lettuce
Yes! All of our produce is grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals in a controlled hydroponic environment.
Properly stored, it remains fresh for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Hydroponic Bibb Butterhead Lettuce has higher nutrient content, a longer shelf life, and is cleaner and safer since it’s grown without soil.
No, freezing damages the delicate leaves. It’s best to consume fresh or use in salads, wraps, and garnishes.
Farming Notes
Bibb Butterhead Lettuce
Bibb lettuce was developed in France in the late 1800s by a farmer named Jean-Marie Janvier and the variety became popular in the United States in the early 1900s. Bibb lettuce is a butterhead type known for its buttery, soft texture and mild flavour. The heads of Bibb lettuce are small to medium in size, about 4-6 inches wide, round in shape, with loose, ruffled leaves that form a ‘’bibb’’ at the base. The leaves can be harvested individually as needed or the whole head can be cut off at the base. Try Bibb lettuce in a strawberry salad with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey or in a delicious BLT sandwich.
Lettuce is the cornerstone of many great salads. And with so many varieties to choose from, why not grow your own and make a custom greens mix?
Lettuce seeds can be directly sown as soon as the garden can be worked and the soil reaches at least 4°C. Seeds will germinate best between 13 and 18°C. If you want to get a head start, seeds may be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. Plant in flats 1 cm deep, every 3 cm. Thin seedlings to 25 cm apart when they have 3-4 true leaves.
Lettuce likes sunny spots, but will tolerate some shade, especially in the hot summer months. Make sure the soil is loose and well drained. If sowing directly, pay extra attention to the consistency of the soil. Because of the seed’s small size, the bed should be well tilled and free of any debris. Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves and a well-established root system. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Spacing in the garden is dependent on the type and variety of lettuce. If leaves become wilted, you can be sure that water is needed. Sprinkle the leaves with water anytime of day and keep the soil evenly moist. If needed, use row covers or shade cloth to shelter from the sun and prevent drying out. You can also map out the garden so that the lettuce will be shaded by some taller crops.
Mulch around the plants to keep the shallow roots cool and moist. If weeds do emerge among the lettuce, promptly and carefully remove them. Don’t let heads surpass their readiness date, leaves will become tough and bitter. Refer to the specific instructions for your variety.
Loose leaf, butterhead and romaine types can be harvested by collecting the outer leaves and allowing the centre to continue growing. Crisp head lettuces should be cut whole when the heads are full and dense. The morning is the best time to harvest, leaves will be crisp and fresh.
Quick Facts
- Lettuce was first cultivated in ancient Egypt for the production of oil from its seeds. This plant was then selectively bred by the Egyptians for its edible leaves as early as 3,000 BC. The domestication of lettuce over the millenniums has resulted in several changes: delayed bolting, larger seeds, larger leaves and heads, better taste and texture, and different leaf shapes and colours.
- Lettuce is a cool-weather crop so it needs partial shade during the hot summer months or the leaves need to be misted on hot days.
- Allow enough space between the seeds to grow as overcrowding can cause lettuce to turn bitter.
- There are four main types of lettuces: crisphead, butterhead, romaine and loose-leaf.
- Lettuce seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
Planting Details
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Latin Name:Lactuca sativa
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Days to Maturity:55-60
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Life Cycle:Annual
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Start Indoors or Cold Frame:4-6 weeks before final spring frost
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Planting Depth:0.5 cm
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Days to Germination:3-12
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Optimal Soil Temperature for Germination:18-22°C
( Seeds can germinate well in soils as low as 5°C but do poorly above 24°C) -
Seedlings Optminal Daytime Temperature:16-18°C
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Days from transplanting to mature crop:40
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Transplant Seedlings:25-30 cm apart
( For mini-heads, transplant 15 cm apart in a grid ) -
Direct Sowing for Baby Leaf:10 seeds every 5 cm in rows 5-10 cm apart.
( Cut 2-3 cm above the growing point when leaves are about 10 cm long) -
Direct Sowing:As soon as the soil can be worked
( Young plants properly hardened can grow at temperatures as a low as -5°C) -
Seed Spacing:3-4 seeds every 10 cm
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Thinning Seedlings:25-30 cm apart
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Row Spacing:30-45 cm
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Plant Height:15-30 cm
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Harvest:Snip large outer leaves to allow the small leaves to mature. Cut alternating plants to extend the harvest window.
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Average Seeds Needed Per 10 m Row:200
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Average Yield Per 10 m Row:35-50 heads
Bibb Butterhead Lettuce
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Pesticide-Free & Non-GMOClean, safe, and nutrient-rich
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Sustainably GrownUsing 90% less water than traditional farming
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Why Choose Hydroponic Bibb Butterhead Lettuce
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Longer shelf life
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Free from soil contaminants
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Packed with vitamins and minerals
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Harvested at the Peak of Freshness
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Flavor Profile:Mild, sweet, and slightly nutty with a delicate, buttery taste
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Texture:Soft, velvety leaves with a tender, crisp bite
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Scientific Name:Lactuca sativa var. capitata
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Family:Asteraceae
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Variety:Bibb Butterhead Lettuce
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Origin:Named after John Bibb, who developed the variety in Kentucky in the 19th century
Bibb lettuce is considered a gourmet variety of Butterhead lettuce. It was originally cultivated by Colonel John Bibb in Kentucky during the 19th century and quickly gained popularity for its delicate texture and exceptional flavor.
Hydroponically grown Bibb lettuce retains more nutrients and flavor compared to traditionally grown varieties due to its controlled environment and soil-free process.
- Vibrant, bright green leaves with no yellowing or browning
- Soft, velvety texture with a fresh, mild aroma
- Wilted or slimy leaves
- Discoloration or bruising
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Raw Uses:Ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
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Low-Carb Alternative:Use as a replacement for taco shells or burger buns.
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Garnish & Side Dish:Adds a light, refreshing touch to any dish.
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Pro Tip:Use Bibb Butterhead Lettuce as a base for salads with vinaigrettes or creamy dressings to highlight its delicate flavor.
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Best Storage Method:Store unwashed in a breathable bag or container in the crisper drawer.
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Wrap in a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent wilting.
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Shelf Life:Stays fresh for 7-10 days when properly stored.
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For extra crispness, soak in ice water for 5 minutes before serving.
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Avoid freezing:as it can damage the delicate leaves.
Recommended Recipes:
- Best Bibb salad
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High in Vitamin K
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Rich in Folate
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Low in Calories & Carbs
- Grown Hydroponically Using 90% Less Water
- Pesticide-Free, Non-GMO, and Harvested at their Peak of Freshness
- Eco-Friendly Packaging for Minimal Waste
Why Hydroponic Farming?
- Uses significantly less water than traditional farming
- No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- Protects crops from soil-borne diseases and contamination
- Reduces the carbon footprint with year-round production
- Grown indoors with zero exposure to weather, pests, or contaminants – resulting in consistent, gourmet-quality
| Nutrient | Amount | %RDI |
|---|---|---|
Calories | 13 kcal | <1% |
Vitamin K | 105 mcg | 88% |
Vitamin A | 740 IU | 15% |
Folate | 36 mcg | 9% |
Potassium | 194 mg | 6% |
Fiber | 1.1 g | 5% |