(Lactuca sativa) This is another selection from the USDA, donated to their collection in 1979 by the Agricultural Experiment Station in Davis, California. Miniature, dark green, upright plants envelop a blanched yellow core. Thick, crunchy, and sweet leaves form palm-sized heads, which are perfect quartered and served as a wedge salad for one or two. 45-50 days. UO
Sow indoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost. Seeds germinate best below 70F.
Transplant out 3-4 week-old plants.
Direct seed after last frost.
Sow every 3 weeks until 6 weeks before first Fall frost date for constant lettuce.
Note: Seeds will become dormant if exposed to high temperatures. Lettuce grows best in cooler weather.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/8"
SPACING:
10-12" in rows 12-15" apart.
EMERGENCE:
5-7 days @ soil temp 68F and lower.
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Medium. Prefers well-drained, with balanced fertility and evenly moist soil. Lettuce is sensitive to low pH.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Uneven watering can result in tip burn, the browning of the leaf margins, which is caused by the plant's inability to move calcium to the growing edge fast enough to meet its growth needs. If this seems to be a problem, consistent, evenly moist soil or calcium amendments can be beneficial.
Hot weather can cause premature bolting. Generally, when the plants begin to stretch upwards (to flower), the leaves become bitter, and the eating quality is poor.
