Growing and marketing hydroponic lettuce at local green markets in southeast Florida

Abstract

The growers for Stephen’s Produce began growing and marketing hydroponic lettuce in 2001 to help supply local green markets with a weekend supply of “garden fresh” produce. For the 2007–08 season, fi ve types of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were grown: Boston, Red Boston, redleaf, romaine, and a romaine/Boston type. Lettuce was sold at all of the 30 weekends for the sales season that began 20 Oct. and concluded 11 May. Lettuce was grown in a float system and plants were harvested and stored in a cooler with ice the night before sales. Heads of Boston and Red Boston were generally sold for $2.50 each and heads of romaine, Boston/romaine, and redleaf for $2.00 each. In 2007–08, an average of 194 total heads of all types were sold each week.