HydroponicAdvice.comUpdated January 2026
Hydroponic Lettuce 2026 | Complete Growing Guide
How-To

Hydroponic Lettuce 2026 | Complete Growing Guide

Grow lettuce hydroponically at home. Complete guide covering best systems, varieties, lighting, and nutrients for fresh salads year-round.

By HydroponicAdvice Team|Updated 16 January 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does hydroponic lettuce grow?

Incredibly fast. Seed to harvest takes 4-5 weeks for baby leaves, 6-8 weeks for full heads. That's 30-50% faster than soil-grown. You can harvest outer leaves continuously for 2-3 months per plant.

What is the best system for hydroponic lettuce?

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is ideal for lettuce - shallow roots love the thin nutrient film, and you can grow 30+ heads per meter of channel. Kratky method works brilliantly for beginners with zero electricity.

Do hydroponic lettuces need grow lights?

Yes, especially in winter. Lettuce needs 12-16 hours of light at 200-400 PPFD. A basic 100W LED ($60-80) easily covers 6-12 plants. Window growing produces weak, bitter leaves in winter months.

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