(Lactuca sativa) Found as a sport in a large field of “Prizehead” in California in the 1980s, this excellent lettuce has dark red tips on a largely green butter head, with a blanched yellow heart. The parent it descends from, Prizehead, is a loose leaf that dates back to 1873, and was one of the most important American commercial lettuce cultivars of the early 1900s. Scarlett makes a moderately dense head with classic, butter texture. 60 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:
12" 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.
