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Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds

Scientific name Lactuca sativa var. butteriana

About this variety

The summer butterhead built for heat. ‘Summer Bibb’ forms small, loose heads of smooth, light-green leaves with creamy centers and a delicate, buttery flavor. It maintains sweetness and texture even under warm conditions where most lettuces wilt or bolt.Plants grow 8–10 inches wide and mature in about 60 days, providing reliable summer harvests.A modern improvement on the classic...

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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: LT14
$150 USD $200
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At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

View the full variety record
1000 minimum seeds per packet
  • Germination5-10 Days days · 45–60 °F
  • Maturity40-49 Days · 40-49 Days
  • SunFull sun
  • Support & spacingNo-Support · space 6 in · rows 12 in
  • Growth habitRosette · Annual · 7–12 in tall
  • Best usequick harvests, succession sowing, containers, cool seasons, and fresh greens
Secure checkout Details
Generic
Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed-starting profileDifficulty, preparation, reliability, and timing Open

Seed success profile

Gardener experience Very beginner-friendly
Germination difficulty Very straightforward
Preparation before sowing
Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Germination speed
5-10 Days
Growing complexity
Quick crop that rewards cool conditions, succession sowing, thinning, and steady moisture
Patience and timing
40-49 Days
Is this seed a good match for your experience?
Expected germination
5-10 Days
Germination temperature
45–60 °F
Stratification
Not normally required by the current record
Scarification
Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking
Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination
Surface sow or press into the mix; light is part of the germination requirement
Germination pattern
Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Transplant sensitivity
Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
Starting method
Cataloged as suitable for direct sowing; follow the product-specific timing and depth.
Best chance of success
For Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.
Planning window

Plan around 5-10 Daysat45–60 °F. Keep moisture, light, and preparation aligned with the sowing instructions below.

Slow germination is not automatically failed germination.

Maintain the listed temperature, moisture, light, and treatment conditions for the full expected window. Some seed lots emerge gradually rather than all at once.

1 Beginner-friendly 2 One extra step 3 Some experience helpful 4 Patient growers 5 Advanced propagation

Seed age, storage, sowing depth, moisture, temperature, light, local conditions, and aftercare can affect results. Last reviewed July 2026.

Browse AONSK seed-starting and garden guides

Garden tools

Need a plan for your space?

Open the garden-fit planner or soil calculator only when you need them.

Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

About this variety

What to expect from Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds

Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds produce heat-tolerant butterhead lettuce with soft, tender leaves and a mild, buttery taste perfect for warm-weather growing.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

The summer butterhead built for heat. ‘Summer Bibb’ forms small, loose heads of smooth, light-green leaves with creamy centers and a delicate, buttery flavor. It maintains sweetness and texture even under warm conditions where most lettuces wilt or bolt.

Plants grow 8–10 inches wide and mature in about 60 days, providing reliable summer harvests.

A modern improvement on the classic Bibb type, this variety delivers that same tender charm with far greater heat tolerance—perfect for long, hot seasons.

Minimum Seed Count: 1,000 seeds

View all growing and care factsBotanical identity, timing, climate, soil, spacing, mature size, and crop-specific details

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 1000 seeds
Seed product profile Leafy green
Scientific name Lactuca sativa var. butteriana
Also known as Lettuce, Lettuce Seeds - Summer Bibb
Life cycle Annual
Botanical family Asteraceae
Reproductive type Open-Pollinated (OP)
Heritage qualifiers Non-GMO
Native to the United States Domesticated Plant
Domestication note Mediterranean Basin

Seed success and gardener experience

Gardener experience Very beginner-friendlyLevel 1 of 5
Germination difficulty Very straightforwardLevel 1 of 5
Preparation before sowing Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Stratification Not normally required by the current record
Scarification Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination Surface sow or press into the mix; light is part of the germination requirement
Germination pattern Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Growing complexity Quick crop that rewards cool conditions, succession sowing, thinning, and steady moisture
Transplant sensitivity Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
First harvest or bloom 40-49 Days
Best chance of success For Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.

Timing and climate

Days to maturity 40-49 Days
Germination 5-10 Days
Germination temperature 45–60 °F
Planting season Spring
Bloom season Spring
Frost tolerance Hardy
Sunlight Full sun
Water needs Moderate

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy
Preferred soil pH 6.5–7.0
Seed depth 1/8 in
Plant spacing 6 in
Row spacing 12 in
Mature height 7–12 in
Growth habit Rosette
Support needed No-Support
Suitable growing locations In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic, Indoor growing, Vertical

Crop-specific details

Flavor profile ‘Summer Bibb’ forms small, loose heads of smooth, light-green leaves with creamy centers and a delicate, buttery flavor.
Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds fit your garden?

Check cool-season timing, succession plans, shade, moisture, and harvest stage.

Questions for this leafy green seed
Seed-starting fit and patience
Recorded product profileVery beginner-friendlyVery straightforwardRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.5–7.0
Water needsModerate
LightFull sun

Use a current laboratory soil test

Soil-test interpreter

Compare your report with this product's listed pH target: 6.5–7.0.

This tool interprets values you enter; it does not replace laboratory or Cooperative Extension amendment rates. Soil test methods and nutrient recommendations vary by region.

Full growing record

Open only the section you need

How to start Summer Bibb Lettuce Seeds from seedPreparation, timing, depth, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early care

Recorded germination plan

Expected germination
5-10 Days
Germination temperature
45–60 °F

Complete sowing and planting guidance

Planting Instructions:

Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Lettuce prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sowing Seeds:

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Indoor Starting: For an earlier start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use seed-starting trays filled with a seed-starting mix. Lightly press the seeds into the surface and keep the soil moist.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil during this period.
Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.

Care Instructions:

Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Fertilizing: Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and continuous leaf production.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Special Considerations:

Harvesting: Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use. Summer Bibb Lettuce leaves are known for their tender texture and mild flavor, making them a popular choice for salads and fresh eating.
How to grow this specific varietyLight, water, fertility, support, spacing, airflow, crop behavior, and season-long care

Complete growing guide

How to grow Lettuce: choose a site with the listed sunlight and soil requirements. Water consistently, avoid overcrowding, and monitor plants for pests, disease, and nutrient stress. Harvest at the proper stage for best flavor and seed quality.

Practical field and garden tips

Additional tips for Lettuce: succession plant when appropriate, label varieties clearly, and keep good garden notes on germination, vigor, flavor, and harvest timing so you can compare varieties season to season.
Harvest, storage, uses, and benefitsWhen and how to harvest, ways to use the crop, storage, culinary value, habitat value, and garden roles

Uses and benefits

Uses and Benefits:
Summer Bibb Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is known for its tender, buttery leaves and mild flavor. It is often used in salads and sandwiches.

Lettuce provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health. Summer Bibb Lettuce is versatile in culinary applications, adding a refreshing crunch to fresh salads and dishes.
Seed saving and carrying the variety forwardPollination, isolation, selection, harvest, cleaning, drying, and storage
Saving seeds from Summer Bibb Lettuce (Lactuca sativa):

1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:

Choose healthy plants with vigorous growth and no signs of bolting early.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:

Timing: Allow the flower stalks to mature and dry on the plant.
Collection: Harvest the dry flower stalks before they start to shatter.
3. Drying Seeds:

Place the flower stalks in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:

Separation: Rub the flower stalks to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:

Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within one to two years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:

Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:

Isolation: Maintain distance between different lettuce varieties to prevent cross-pollination.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Problems and answersPests, diseases, troubleshooting, practical response, and product-specific questions

Complete pest and problem guide

Common pests and problems for Lettuce: monitor for chewing insects, sap-sucking insects, fungal leaf spots, damping off, poor germination from cold or dry soil, and stress from inconsistent watering. Use crop rotation, spacing, mulch, and good airflow to reduce pressure.

Questions gardeners ask

Frequently Asked Questions — Lettuce

Q: When should I plant Lettuce?
A: Follow the planting season listed on this product page and adjust for your local frost dates.

Q: How deep should I sow the seeds?
A: Use the seed depth listed in the growing facts.

Q: Can I save seed from this variety?
A: Open-pollinated varieties can generally be saved when properly isolated and selected; hybrids may not grow true to type.
History, provenance, and cultural contextWhat is documented, what is reported, what remains uncertain, and how the variety reached gardeners

Scientific name: Lactuca sativa var. butteriana

Plant and variety history

Lettuce Seeds - Summer Bibb belongs to a plant lineage long associated with Mediterranean and Old World garden agriculture. It was selected over generations for kitchen, market, ornamental, or herbal value and remains useful in modern home gardens.

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Customer experience

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