Hybrid R · Lettuce

Growing Lettuce in a
Hybrid R Multi-Tunnel

Fast cycle, high density, year-round under Hybrid R protection. The Hybrid R delivers +50 to 80% annual output vs. seasonal field production with birdproof ventilation, wide-span oval-tube construction, and Geometet® bolt-grade corrosion resistance.

Technical Specs

Hybrid R × Lettuce, At a Glance

6.4 to 9.6 m

Ideal Width

55 to 70°F (13 to 21°C)

Temperature

60 to 75%

Humidity

28 to 45 days from transplant

Cycle Length

+50 to 80% annual output vs. seasonal field production

Yield Gain

90 km/h (56 mph)

Wind Rating

Geomet® · ASTMB117-11

Bolt Standard

+30% vs. standard

Steel Strength

Structural Fit

Why the Hybrid R is the Right Structure for Lettuce

Lettuce is a shallow-rooted, temperature-sensitive crop that bolts rapidly when exposed to temperatures above 80°F, a threshold that the Hybrid R's ventilation system keeps well below even in summer months. The wide span enables high-density NFT channel or deep-water culture installation across the full bay width, turning a single Hybrid R unit into a continuous-harvest lettuce factory with 8 to 10 crop cycles per year. The diffuse light from the poly film reduces tipburn, a common calcium-deficiency disorder triggered by intense direct sunlight, which is a leading cause of quality rejection in field lettuce.

Yield Gain

+50 to 80% annual output vs. seasonal field production

vs. open-field production

Ideal Width

6.4 to 9.6 m

bay width for Lettuce

Cycle

28 to 45 days from transplant

production cycle

FAQ

Lettuce in a Hybrid R, Common Questions

How many lettuce plants fit in a 9.6 m wide Hybrid R greenhouse?
In a 9.6 m × 50 m Hybrid R bay using NFT channels at 0.3 m × 0.3 m plant spacing, you can run 10 to 12 channels across the bay width and fit approximately 1,600 to 2,000 transplants per 50 m bay. At a 35-day cycle, this generates 16 to 20 harvests per year, producing 25,000 to 35,000 heads annually from a single 480 m² bay.
Can I grow lettuce year-round in a Hybrid R tunnel in northern states?
Yes, with supplemental heating during winter months. The Hybrid R's enclosed structure reduces heating load versus a fully open field by 60 to 70%, and lettuce's low temperature threshold (minimum 45°F/7°C for growth) means that even modest heating systems maintain viable growing conditions through December, February in USDA zones 5 to 6. LED supplemental lighting during short winter days is recommended for states above latitude 42°N.
What lettuce varieties work best in a greenhouse tunnel?
Butterhead varieties, Buttercrunch, Boston, and Rex, are the top greenhouse performers due to their heat tolerance and compact head formation that maximizes density per channel. Batavian types like Nevada and Muir are excellent for summer production in warmer climates because they bolt later than romaine types. Oakleaf and lollo varieties work well for cut-and-come-again harvest systems that increase the number of harvests per planting.
Is the Hybrid R suitable for hydroponic lettuce production?
The Hybrid R is one of the most cost-effective structures for hydroponic lettuce at commercial scale. Its simple gutter profile and wide span allow NFT or DWC systems to be installed and serviced without structural interference, and the relatively low capital cost compared to glass or polycarbonate greenhouses makes it the preferred structure for growers targeting wholesale food service accounts where margin pressure requires low infrastructure cost per unit of output.

Ready to Grow Lettuce in a Hybrid R?

Our team will design the right Hybrid R configuration for your Lettuce operation, crop rows, bay width, ventilation, and optional gutters. Nationwide service.

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