Lettuce is widely grown in Mauritius for fresh salads. It prefers the cooler winter months and is a fast-growing crop ideal for home gardens and small market plots.

Local names: Leti, Laitue, Salade

Months: April, May, June, July, August, September

Best planted from April to September during the cooler dry season. Bolts quickly in summer heat.

• Soil type: Rich, well-drained loamy soil
• pH: 6.0–7.0
• Compost: Incorporate generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure to retain moisture while ensuring good drainage.

• Seed type: Direct sow or transplant seedlings
• Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants, 30 cm between rows
• Watering: Light and frequent watering, daily in dry weather. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours). Shade cloth recommended in warmer months.

Organic options:

• Compost
• Worm castings
• Diluted fish emulsion

Chemical options:

• NPK 15-15-15 (light application)

Slugs and snails

• Natural remedy: Beer traps and crushed eggshell barriers
• Chemical fallback: Iron phosphate pellets

Aphids

• Natural remedy: Spray with soapy water or neem oil
• Chemical fallback: Pyrethrin-based insecticide

• Days to maturity: 30–60 days
• Indicators: Leaves are full-sized and firm. Harvest before the plant sends up a flower stalk (bolting).
• Yield tips: Harvest outer leaves first for cut-and-come-again harvesting, extending the productive period.

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Temperature: Refrigerate at 1–4°C
• Tips: Wrap in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Wash only before eating to prevent wilting.