Lettuce, 'Winter Density'


(Lactuca sativa) This 19th-century English lettuce is an almost universally popular classic, and for a good reason. We like to think of Winter Density as a butterhead for the cold, rainy months. Somewhere between a butterhead and romaine, it gets the best qualities of both: densely wrapped heads of tender leaves from the butterhead and elongated upright habit for good airflow and keeping it out of the mud from the romaine. Standing at about 8”, it is a bit of a mini head, lending itself to denser plantings than full-sized lettuces. It’s a great choice to close out the lettuce growing season, hardy to light frosts, but shouldn’t be pigeonholed into that role as it is a great, bolt-resistant succession cropper all season long. It does not tolerate heat during germination, which triggers seed dormancy. UO

Packet: 1g (~800 seeds)

Product Code: LET-WD-pkt

Availability:In stock

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$4.50

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$21.00

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Growing Info

SOWING:

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.