If you want a full, grocery-store-style head of lettuce, you’ll need to wait a little longer. Think 55 to 70 days for varieties like iceberg or romaine. It’s like waiting for a slow-cooked stew versus instant noodles.
During that wait, something magical happens. The seed becomes a tiny sprout, then a cluster of leaves, and finally, a tight, satisfying cabbage-like globe. You can almost hear it crunching.
Pro tip: loose-leaf types are the speedsters, while firm-head types are the marathon runners. Choose your vibe based on how much patience you’ve got.