Bred from a cross between 'Eruption' (one of our very favorite lettuces), a looseleaf, and an iceberg, 'Queen of Hearts' delivers everything we love about 'Eruption' in a denser, more compact package. Probably best described as a mini-butter-romaine, its heads feature stunning saturated burgundy outer leaves that fade to a green interior and then back to a strawberry core. The interior is a salad lovers dream with leaves small enough to be left whole, a gorgeous range of blanched green to red shades, a firm crisp midrib that keeps the texture interesting, and plenty of ruffles to hold onto dressing. Upright heads have more of a closed habit than many of the the mini-romaine 'gems' types. While the plants are fairly uniform, the variety is not yet stable for seed color so a mix of dark and light seed is normal. Uprising original variety. 50-55 days. UO
Note: Seeds will become dormant if exposed to high temperatures. Lettuce grows best in cooler weather.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/8-1/4"
SPACING:
8-10" in rows 15" apart.
EMERGENCE:
2-10 days @ soil temp 68F and lower.
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Medium. Prefers well-drained, and evenly moist soil and is sensitive to low pH.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Uneven watering can result in tip burn, the browning of the leaf margins, which is the result of an inability of the plant to move calcium to the growing edge fast enough to meet its growth needs. Consistent, evenly moist soil or calcium amendments can be beneficial if this seems to be a problem.
Hot weather can cause premature bolting. Generally, when the plants begin to stretch upwards (to flower), the leaves become bitter and the eating quality poor.
