Manoa Lettuce

Like many of the varieties of vegetables that I'm familiar with, this one is a variety that was developed by the University of Hawaii. It is tolerant to tropical-ish conditions, but still would prefer cooler temperatures.

Growing lettuce in the tropics can be a real challenge, because lettuce tends to bolt when soil temperatures are consistently above a certain point. Because of this, choosing a partially shaded location for the lettuce is essential. With regular irrigation, a partially shaded location can help keep the soil temperatures within tolerable levels for the lettuce to mature at a slower pace, allowing for a more leafy, less bitter, delicious lettuce.

As for soil preparation, a good tilling, raised beds, and some chicken manure worked into the ground a few weeks prior to planting is not a bad idea. In fact, raised beds are a good idea because it helps with drainage. I personally like the idea of 10-12 inch high beds. A two foot wide bed, with a staggered/offset pattern for your transplants should result in just enough space for your lettuce, without unnecessarily overcrowding them. When you go to pick your lettuce for your kitchen table, just be thoughtful toward the lettuce, and select the ones you're going to pick based on the idea that you want to open up some more space for its neighbors to grow.

Now, Manoa lettuce is a crispy, tasty, semi-head type lettuce. If you plan on growing lettuce, I'd recommend giving this one a try. In all likelihood, you'll be pleased at how easy it is grow. However, you may not be quite as pleased at the number of uninvited guests hoping to not only mooch off whatever salad you've prepared for the night, but who are expecting your usual generosity, and so also expect to take some of that delicious lettuce home with them.