Plenty of lettuce quits the moment summer heat settles in, bolting tall and turning bitter before the salad season really gets going. But a few varieties were bred to hold their nerve, and those keep cutting well past the bolt.

Come July, the lettuce patch tends to be the first corner of the garden to fall apart. Leaves that were sweet and crisp back in May go bitter, the plants shoot up tall, and a flower stalk pushes from the center. Heat is the trigger. That whole stretching-and-flowering routine is bolting, and once it starts there's no going back.

Not every lettuce bolts that fast, though. The different lettuce types vary a lot in how much warmth they'll take before they turn, and a handful were bred specifically for it. Pick one of those, hand it afternoon shade and steady water, and you can keep cutting salads while the spring crop bolts and dies back.

When Heat Turns Lettuce Bitter

Lettuce is wired for cool weather. Once daytime temperatures stay in the 80s (around 27-32C), the plant takes it as a cue to reproduce, so it throws up a thick central stalk headed for flower. That's the bolt. Long summer days nudge it along too, which is why the closer you get to midsummer, the faster a susceptible variety goes.

As the plant stresses, the sap in the leaves goes milky and the flavor slides from crisp to flat-out bitter — sometimes before any stalk even shows. Germination drops off in the warmth as well, with seed often failing to sprout once the soil creeps past about 80F (27C), so a midsummer sowing may not come up at all. None of which is the end of it. It mostly comes down to which variety goes in the ground, plus a break from the afternoon sun.

6 Lettuce Varieties That Take the Heat

These are the ones that keep producing when the thermometer climbs. Most are loose-leaf or Batavian lettuce types, which run to seed slower than tight heading lettuce, and all turn up through the usual sellers.

1. Jericho

Bred in the Israeli desert, Jericho lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) was made for exactly this problem. A tall green romaine, it stays sweet and crisp at temperatures that turn most romaines sour, and it's slow to send up a stalk even with the heat on.

Keep the moisture steady and it forms big upright heads. Take the whole thing or pull leaves a few at a time. Super Jericho seeds from the Home Depot make it easy to get.

2. Nevada

For raw durability, not much beats Nevada. A Batavian type — summer crisp on some labels — it's still Lactuca sativa var. capitata, with thick glossy leaves gathered into a loose head. It holds up to both heat and a sudden cold snap, and stays mild long after softer types would have soured. It regrows after a cut, too, so one planting goes a long way. You can find Nevada lettuce seeds at Walmart.

3. Buttercrunch

Most butterheads collapse in the heat. Buttercrunch is the exception that's kept it on seed racks for decades — a butterhead itself, Lactuca sativa var. capitata. An All-America Selections winner, it keeps that tender, buttery rosette later into warm weather than its relatives and resists bolting longer than most. It wants steady water and a bit of afternoon shade once things warm up. You'll find it nearly everywhere, including plenty of buttercrunch seed from Park Seed.

4. Black-Seeded Simpson

Black-Seeded Simpson (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) ranks among the fastest, most forgiving lettuces you can sow. The light, frilly leaves are ready in roughly 45 days, which lets you slip a harvest in ahead of peak heat and keep resowing through the season. It isn't the most bolt-proof name here, but the speed covers for that. You're eating it before it gets the chance to turn. Burpee has black-seeded Simpson seeds for a good price.

5. Red Sails

Color is what sets Red Sails apart, though the staying power is the bigger draw. The bronze-red ruffled leaves — another looseleaf, Lactuca sativa var. crispa — are slow to bolt and slow to sour, and that red pigment seems to screen it from strong sun. It's an All-America Selections pick too, a cut-and-come-again grower. Strip the outer leaves and it keeps producing for weeks instead of finishing at once. You can grab a packet of Red Sails seeds off Amazon.

6. Slobolt

The name does the explaining. Slobolt (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) was bred to resist bolting, and it holds for weeks after other loose-leaf types have shot up and gone bitter. The leaves come light green and soft, mild enough to eat young and cut again as they regrow. It sometimes turns up on store shelves less often than the others, so finding Slobolt lettuce seeds rom the Thresh Seed Co. store on Amazon is more reliable.

Expert Tips

Lettuce will hang on longer in summer if you take a little pressure off it.

• A bit of afternoon shade makes a big difference, especially once temperatures stay high.
• Keep the soil from drying out completely—lettuce hates that stop-and-start stress—and throw down some mulch if you’ve got it.
• Cut their leaves early in the morning while they’re still cool. They taste better, and the plant doesn’t seem to mind the harvest much.

If you are looking for a reliable supply of leafy lettuce for quick salads, look no further than your countertop or sunny window. Growing hydroponic lettuce indoors is about the easiest thing you can do to ensure you have greens at the ready. All you have to do is provide some light and nutrients, and you’ll receive a year-round harvest and bowlfuls of salad.

Hydroponics is a tried-and-tested way of growing plants in water without soil. Instead, the method uses alternative growing mediums, such as rockwool or clay pebbles, which allow the roots to anchor the plant. Nutrients are delivered by adding fertilizer directly to the water.

It might sound more complicated than planting in soil, but hydroponics is a surprisingly easy way to start growing lettuce indoors and requires very little kit to get started.

Reasons to Grow Lettuce Hydroponically

Lettuce is one of the easiest crops you can grow outside in containers or a garden bed, and doesn't take up too much room. So why grow lettuce hydroponically indoors?

• No dirty leaves. Dirt has a way of getting in and staying in the lettuce leaves’ nooks and crannies – and it seems those leaves are never not sandy. With hydroponic growing, there’s no dirt to worry about.
• Eliminate pests. Outdoor lettuce is subjected to slugs, bugs, deer, and groundhogs – and sometimes all that lettuce is gone without you harvesting a single leaf. Protect your harvest by growing indoors.
• Grow year-round. Grown hydroponically indoors, you can have lettuce ready for harvest every day of the year, without having to worry about extreme weather conditions.
• No garden? No problem! Even apartment dwellers can grow lettuce, thanks to hydroponic growing techniques and a sun-filled window.

What You’ll Need

The supplies you’ll need to grow lettuce hydroponically are minimal and include:

• A container: Use a container – preferably a clear glass jar – that is wide enough to support a growing root system. The clear glass will allow you to monitor root health.
• A mesh or net pot: Sized to fit within the glass jar, this small pot will hold the growing medium (see below).
• A growing medium: Clay pebbles are an ideal medium to support the growing root system. These stabilize the plants in the jar and aerate the roots. Other options include rockwool, perlite, and coconut coir.
• A growing pod: This is a small pod of compressed soil that will expand in water and will be where the seeds germinate. Alternatively, try germinating seeds in paper towel.
• Lettuce seeds or seedlings: Use a variety of lettuce that forms leaves and not heads.
• Hydroponic fertilizer: Use a fertilizer specially formulated for hydroponic growing.
• A light source: A sunny window or a grow light will provide plenty of light for growing lettuce.

Planting Lettuce in the Jar

Once you have the necessary materials, getting started with your new hydroponic lettuce journey doesn’t take more than 30 minutes. These are the steps:

1. Place your grow pod in a shallow water-filled dish to expand and hydrate the soilless mix.
2. Once the grow pod expands, sow seeds about ¼-inch deep, then cover lightly with some of the soilless mix.
3. Place some clay pebbles on the bottom of the net pot, then set the planted grow pod inside. Add clay pebbles around the grow pod so it fits snuggly into the net pot. The grow pod’s top should be level with the top of the net pod. Place the pot in the mason jar.
4. Mix the plant food according to directions. Create a 50:50 liquid mixture of the plant food and water and pour this into the jar until it reaches the bottom layer of clay pebbles. The grow pod itself should not sit in water, just the clay pods, which form the bottom layer of the net pod.
5. Wrap the jar with the protective cover and place it on a windowsill or under a grow light.

You can also skip the seed germination step and use small lettuce seedlings. If so, just wash off the dirt from the seedlings’ roots and nestle them into the clay pebbles. Keep the stem and leaves above the pebble surface. Fill with the 50:50 plant food mixture up to the top of the plant roots.

Taking Care of Hydroponic Lettuce

Lettuce seeds germinate pretty quickly, so keep an eye out for little specks of green to emerge from the clay pebbles and soilless mix after about 7-10 days. From this point, caring for lettuce will be pretty much hands-off. Just be sure to pay attention to:

• Water. Lettuces are all leaf, so they lose water through evapotranspiration. Check the water level in your jar every few days to ensure the roots stay moist. Freshen up the water occasionally to prevent algal growth. Use room temperature water.
• Nutrients. Your fast-growing lettuces will go through that initial dose of fertilizer in a few weeks. Be sure to add nutrients on a schedule according to the directions on your fertilizer package.
• Light. Lettuce grows best with consistent light of about 5 or more hours per day. A sunny window should do the trick, no matter the time of year. Even cloudy days should provide enough light, but it’s always a good idea to have a full-spectrum grow light in case of extended periods of cloudy days.
• Temperature: Lettuce is one of those crops that likes to grow on the cool side, with ideal growing temperatures between 60 and 70°F (15 to 21°C).
• Air flow. If possible, use a fan to gently blow across your hydroponic lettuce jars. This helps prevent mold spores from settling onto your lettuce’s leaves. Or simply open a window to allow a fresh breeze to come in, weather permitting.

Harvesting

You’ll find that the leaves of your hydroponically grown lettuce are ready in about four weeks. But, before removing the entire plant from the mason jar, you need to know there’s a secret to keeping that plant producing for many more weeks, by harvesting lettuce leaves as cut and come again.

Simply remove the outer ring of leaves as needed and let the smaller inner leaves keep growing. Either gently peel them off the plant or use sharp snips to cut the leaves you’ll need for that day. Repeat every few days. Leaf lettuce is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Your lettuce plant will keep producing harvestable leaves for about two months. It will eventually “bolt,” or send up a flowering stalk, and stop producing leaves. You’ll know its end is near when the leaves begin to taste bitter, and the leaves will also become much smaller. To keep a steady harvest, start a new mason jar of lettuce every other month. Your sunny windowsill or kitchen counter will become a mini salad factory!

Purple lettuce and purple leafy greens look pretty in the garden as well as in salads and other dishes. Eating a rainbow of colors and the pigments that produce them are good for your health. Purple lettuce, cabbage, kale and greens are nutritious and easy to grow.

Purple Lettuce Varieties

Lettuce is an accessible green. It’s easy to grow and easy to eat. While lettuce doesn't pack as much nutritional value as some of the sturdier greens, the purple and red varieties offer additional antioxidants.

• Red Sails - This is a classic variety of lettuce that is easy to find. It has frilly leaves in a deep reddish purple color. It doesn’t bolt as easily as some varieties, and even tastes good after bolting.
• Merlot - This leaf lettuce is the color of your favorite red wine. It produces large leaves that are great for salads and sandwiches. You can harvest the baby leaves in about 30 days and mature leaves in 60.
• Sea of Red - Known as a cutting lettuce, Sea of Red has pretty purple leaves that you can remove as needed. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, providing an attractive row to vegetable beds or even the edges of flower beds.
• Red Deer Tongue - This heirloom variety is harder to find but well worth the search. It produces sturdy, long, and narrow leaves of deep purple. It does blot quickly in summer, so grow it in spring and fall for the best results.

Purple Cabbage Varieties

Some cabbage varieties are more strikingly purple than the lettuces that have a reddish hue. Try these cabbages for their pretty colors, nutritional value, and diverse culinary uses.

• Red Acre - Red Acre is a great option if you only choose one cabbage for the garden. It produces bright purple leaves and matures earlier than most other varieties. The heads are fairly small, so it's good for tight spaces. It is also resistant to some common diseases.
• Amarant - For a purple cabbage that better tolerates the heat of summer, choose Amarant. It stores well, too, so you can harvest in the fall and enjoy cabbage well into winter.
• Purple Savoy - Savoy cabbages have crinkly, textured leaves and a sweeter flavor than smooth cabbages. The purple cultivar is truly unique in appearance, with a mix of green and purple colors.

Purple Kale Varieties

Kale is a sturdy green that also comes in purple. You can find edible purple varieties, but be aware that many flowering kales are purely ornamental.

• Redbor - Redbor is a beautiful variety of curly care with dense, tight frills and a deep reddish purple color. It looks striking in the garden and is also very nutritious and versatile in the kitchen.
• Red Russian - Originating in Siberia, this is a very hardy variety of flat-leaf kale. The leaves are mostly green but have a pretty purple coloring that begins in the veins and stems and extends partway into the leaves.
• Glamour Red - This is a pretty ornamental cultivar with green outer leaves and purple/magenta leaves inside the rosette. The leaves are all very frilly and tightly packed.

Other Purple Greens to Try

Other types of greens come in purple and red shades and can serve as ornamentals and edible vegetables. Radicchio is naturally purple, but you can also find purple mustard greens, chard, and kohlrabi. Also, look for other members of the cruciferous family (this includes kale and cabbage), like purple Brussels sprouts and purple cauliflower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growing lettuce in the garden is easy and rewarding, and growing red lettuce is much more interesting. Not only does red lettuce add a splash of color to salads and wraps, but it matures more quickly and is higher in nutrition than its green counterpart. Sure, you can grow iceberg or green leaf lettuce, but sometimes it’s nice to shake things up with some color. There are many different lettuce types to choose from, but we’re going to focus on 5 of them. So go wild, and read on to learn about growing the different red lettuce types.

Is Red Leaf Lettuce Healthier?

Both green and red lettuce are nutrient-rich (and low-calorie). Red lettuce gets its color from the pigment anthocyanin, which is said to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that anthocyanin may also help with cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

With the exception of anthocyanin, however, green lettuce actually trumps red as far as nutrition value. It is higher in vitamins A and K, fiber and micronutrients than red lettuce. That said, both are an excellent choice to add to a healthy diet.

Tastiest Types of Red Lettuce

The best tasting lettuce is really an individual choice. I prefer cos or romaine lettuce because I like their sturdiness and crunch. By the way, there is a red romaine lettuce.

Both green and red leaf lettuces have similar flavors; mildly sweet with a hint of nuttiness. Red leaf lettuce is delicate and ruffled, quite pretty actually, but with little of the crispness or crunch of romaine or iceberg. It has a bitter/sweet aroma that morphs into a mildly bitter flavor in mature leaves. Its shelf life is also significantly shorter than green leaf varieties.

Prettiest Red Lettuce Types

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, choosing the prettiest red lettuce type is an individual choice. The various red hues alone are a sight to behold. Combine that with delicate, usually ruffled leaves and all of them are beautiful.

1. Red Sails is probably the most common red leaf lettuce. Developed in 1985, it resists bolting, is cold tolerant, stays flavorful and not bitter, and forms large frilly heads.
2. Red Deer Tongue not only has a fabulous name but is an heirloom variety that forms loose heads with long leaves. It is quick to bolt, so grow it in the spring or fall only.
3. Ruby Gem forms pretty rosettes with green centers. Growing to about 10 inches (25 cm) across, this variety of red leaf lettuce works well in containers and window boxes. It is also bolt-resistant, thriving through the heat of summer.
4. Merlot is said to be the darkest of the red lettuces. It has crisp, wavy leaves, is bolt-resistant and has excellent cold tolerance. This one is perfect for late fall to winter crops that can be cut or harvested as cut-and-come again.
5. Galactic is a burgundy-colored red leaf with glossy, broad leaves with a touch of green at the base. This is an open-pollinated variety that is often used for baby leaf production. It is resistant to downy mildew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leafy greens are one of the easier crops to grow in the home garden, but learning how to keep lettuce fresh after picking can be a bit challenging. Follow these tips to have crispy leafy greens for salads and sandwich toppings.

Harvest Tips for Fresher Lettuce 

Keeping lettuce fresh after picking actually starts before the harvest. Since lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant it requires a moist soil. This may mean watering twice daily when the weather is warm and dry. Additionally, mulching lettuce beds will slow down the process of soil moisture evaporation. 

Early morning is the best time to harvest leafy greens. It's usually the coolest time of the day and the dew helps keep lettuce leaves hydrated. Heads of lettuce can be removed by severing the stems or harvested by the “cut and come again” method. With the latter, the outer leaves are harvested, while the inner leaves are left on the plant to mature.

To keep lettuce fresh longer, place the harvested leaves in a shallow basket to prevent bruising and don't allow the basket to sit in direct sunlight. If you're harvesting other veggies at the same time, it's advisable to pick the lettuce last and prep it for storage first. 

How to Store Freshly-Harvested Lettuce

To keep salad greens fresh after harvest, place the unwashed leaves and heads in a vented plastic bag. Store lettuce in a cooler or the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Wrapping wet lettuce in a paper towel helps remove excess moisture and prevents rotting. 

Once it's time to use the lettuce, it can be washed by rinsing or soaking in cool water to remove the dirt. You can revive wilted lettuce by placing the leaves in ice water for about five minutes. Next, dry the lettuce leaves in a salad spinner or by rolling in a paper or cloth towel. 

Tips for Commercial Growers

Lettuce can be a particularly difficult crop to display and sell at a roadside stand or farmer's market. Hot sun, wind and lack of refrigeration can wilt this delicate produce and make your lettuce crop unmarketable. If you're wondering how to keep greens fresh and crispy-looking, try these tips:

• Store leafy greens in an ice chest. Use ice or gel paks in the bottom of the cooler. To prevent ice from damaging the lettuce, add a protective barrier such as a piece of cardboard. Then place the lettuce on top of this barrier. 
• Display only a few heads or bags of lettuce at a time. Keep the remainder in a cooler. Periodically, dip the displayed lettuce in an ice bath to rehydrate the leaves.
• Store lettuce in plastic bags. This traps the humidity inside the bag and helps to keep the lettuce hydrated. Avoid displaying bagged lettuce in direct sunlight.
• Display leafy greens in an ice chest. Use ice and a protective barrier to keep lettuce fresh all day. Replace the ice as needed.
• Mist with a spray bottle. Periodically spraying lettuce with sterile water can keep the leaves hydrated. Follow food safety guidelines to prevent contamination of produce.

Are you in the mood for a variety of lettuce with a unique color, shape, and that’s tasty to boot? Then look no further than Devil’s Tongue red lettuce, a distinctly colored, loose growing variety that’s delicious eaten young or fully mature. Keep reading to learn more about growing the lettuce ‘Devil’s Tongue’ plant.

What is Devil’s Tongue Red Lettuce?

Originally bred by Frank and Karen Morton at Wild Garden Seed, the lettuce variety known as “Devil’s Tongue” is actually made up of multiple lines of visually similar but genetically diverse lettuces, resulting in a variety that’s strong against disease and other problems.

Mature varieties are all but identical, the only distinguishing factor is seed color, with some coming in white and some in black. The Devil’s Tongue lettuce plant is named for its red color and long, ovular shape, both of which are unusual for Romaine varieties.

The plant forms loose heads of long, tapering leaves that begin a shade of bright green and quickly blush to a deep crimson that spread from the edges almost all the way to the heart of the plant. These heads usually grow to a height of 6 to 7 inches (15-18 cm.).

How to Grow Devil’s Tongue Lettuce

Devil’s Tongue lettuce plants grow best in cool weather, which is also when they achieve their deepest shades of red and, as such, they are ideal as a spring or autumn crop. Sow seeds as you would for any lettuce, directly in the ground either as soon as the soil is workable in the spring, or late in the summer for autumn and winter growing.

Seeds can also be started indoors four to six weeks before transplant. The plants take 55 days to reach maturity and, while they are excellent picked young for baby greens, they are especially good if allowed to grow to their full size.

When the plants are harvested mature, the leaves have a pleasant buttery texture and the hearts, when split open, are succulent in flavor with a beautiful mixture of red and green pigment.

Iceberg is perhaps the most popular variety of lettuce in grocery stores and restaurants around the world. While not the most flavorful, it is nevertheless prized for its texture, lending its crispness to salads, sandwiches, and anything else that might need a little extra crunch. What if you don’t want the regular old grocery store head of lettuce though?

Can you grow your own Iceberg lettuce plant? You sure can! Keep reading to learn how.

What is Iceberg Lettuce?

Iceberg lettuce gained widespread popularity in the 1920's, when it was grown in the Salinas Valley of California and then shipped around the U.S. by train on ice, which is what earned it its name. Since then, it’s become one of, if not the most popular lettuce, gracing restaurants and dinner tables all over with its crunchy texture.

Iceberg lettuce is so popular, in fact, that it’s gotten something of a bad rap in recent years, called out for its ubiquity and lack of flavor and forgone for its more complex and vibrant cousins. Iceberg has its own place and, like almost anything, if you grow it in your own garden, you’ll find it a lot more satisfying than if you buy it in the produce aisle.

Iceberg Lettuce Plant Info

Iceberg is a head lettuce, meaning it grows in a ball rather than leafy form, and it is known for its comparatively small, densely packed heads. The outer leaves are bright green in color, while the inner leaves and heart are light green to yellow and sometimes even white.

The center of the head is the sweetest part, though the entire Iceberg lettuce plant has a very mild flavor, making it ideal as a backdrop to more potent salad and sandwich ingredients.

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce

Growing Iceberg lettuce is similar to growing most any other kind of lettuce. The seeds can be directly sown in the ground as soon as the soil is workable in the spring, or they can be started indoors four to six weeks before transplanting out. This method is best if you are planting a fall crop, as the seeds may not germinate outdoors in the heat of midsummer.

Exact number days to maturity varies, and Iceberg lettuce plants may take somewhere between 55 and 90 days to be ready for harvest. Like most lettuce, Iceberg has a tendency to bolt quickly in hot weather, so it’s recommended to plant spring crops as early as possible. To harvest, remove the entire head once it’s large and feels tightly packed. The outer leaves are edible, but not as pleasant to eat as the sweet inner leaves.

If you enjoy the taste of romaine or cos lettuce, you're not alone. Humans have been planting romaine lettuce for nearly 5,000 years. Romaine is a popular sandwich topping and the lettuce of choice in Caesar salad recipes. This nutrient-rich vegetable is an excellent source of minerals and antioxidants, yet still boasts an amazingly low 10 calories per cup of lettuce.

To keep up with consumer demand, commercial growers have dedicated thousands of acres each year to growing romaine lettuce. Unfortunately, it's estimated green leafy vegetables account for 20% of food-borne illness. This has resulted in numerous recalls of romaine lettuce in the past decade and, for many families, eliminated salad from the Thanksgiving menu in 2018. Many gardeners find growing romaine lettuce at home to be a safer alternative.

Romaine Lettuce Care

Growing romaine lettuce is fairly easy. It's a cool-weather crop that can be planted in early spring and late summer in most areas of the United States. Growing romaine lettuce quickly is the secret to producing crispy, great-tasting leaves. If you're looking for the best way to grow romaine lettuce, try following these tips:

• Start spring crops indoors. Romaine needs 70 to 75 days to mature. To prevent bolting of springtime crops, start romaine indoors. Romaine seedlings can withstand frost and can be transplanted into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Fall crops can be directly seeded into the garden during late summer. Mature lettuce is not frost-tolerant.
• Use a nutrient-rich, moist soil. Romaine requires both nitrogen and soil moisture to grow quickly. Fertilize or amend the garden soil with plenty of compost. Salad connoisseurs believe romaine grown in soil tastes better than hydroponic lettuce.
• Avoid planting romaine lettuce in midday sun. Instead, transplant romaine seedlings on a cloudy day or in the evening to prevent the plants from dehydrating and to reduce transplant shock.
• Provide adequate spacing. Space romaine plants at least 12 inches (30 cm.) apart. Giving romaine lettuce plenty of room to grow results in larger heads. This also improves air circulation which may reduce rotting. When direct sowing into the garden, try using seed tape to achieve better spacing.
• Protect from pests. Rabbits and slugs love the sweet taste of romaine. To prevent rabbits from harvesting your crop before you do, try using floating row covers, or opt to grow romaine out of reach in a hanging basket or in elevated containers. To control slugs, try making slug traps or using diatomaceous earth around the romaine. It's advisable to avoid pesticide use on lettuce, as it's readily absorbed by the leaves.
• Plant fewer plants more often. For a continuous supply of leafy lettuce throughout the growing season, try planting romaine lettuce every couple weeks. Romaine can also be harvested leaf by leaf to extend the harvest.

In comparison to other types of lettuce, romaine is considered more heat tolerant and bolt resistant. It grows well in pots and is a popular choice for container and vertical gardening. For year-round harvest, try hydroponically growing romaine lettuce inside during the winter.

If you live in an apartment or high-rise and don't have access to gardening space, you may think your only option for obtaining fresh lettuce is at the local market. Think again! You can grow homegrown salad greens in the same amount of space as a spider plant or philodendron. The secret is cultivating lettuce in hanging baskets.

Hanging Container Lettuce

Hanging basket lettuce makes an attractive accent to any home or office and takes up virtually no floor space. All you need for growing hanging lettuce is a sunny balcony or southern facing window that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. This method also works great for gardeners searching for an easy way to grow slug free greens.

How to Make a Hanging Lettuce Basket

To grow lettuce in hanging baskets you'll need to gather a few supplies:

• Hanging basket – To create an attractive “globe of leaves,” choose a wire type basket where the lettuce can be planted down the sides as well as on top.
• Coco coir liner – Made from coconut hulls, these liners retain both soil and moisture.
• Quality potting soil – Choose a potting soil with vermiculite or perlite to aid with moisture retention.
• Lettuce seedlings – Purchase seedlings at your local nursery or start your own seeds in plastic bags. Select a mixture of lettuce varieties to add visual appeal to the hanging basket and your salad plate.

Assembling a Hanging Basket Lettuce Container

Once you have your supplies, follow these simple instructions to plant hanging basket lettuce:

Place the coir liner in the wire basket. If the liner is too large, trim off any excess which extends above the top rim of the basket. Remove the chains to make it easier to plant the hanging container lettuce.

Put 2 inches (5 cm.) of potting soil in the bottom of the basket. If the basket won't stand on its own, make it less tipsy by placing it inside a bucket or stock pot while you work.

Plant a layer of lettuce seedlings. Use sharp scissors to slice a small hole through the coir liner directly above the soil line in the pot. Carefully insert the roots of the lettuce plant through the hole. Add a handful of potting soil to secure the seedling. Continue planting several more seedlings around the basket at the same level.

Alternate dirt with lettuce seedlings. Add another 2 inches (5 cm.) of potting soil, then plant more lettuce seedlings at this new level. Stagger each row so the seedlings are not directly above the lower row of plants. Continue until you have reached the top of the planter.

Plant several seedlings in the top of the hanging basket. (Note: you can choose to simply plant your lettuce in this top level only. Planting along the sides or in alternating levels is up to you but will produce a fuller looking basket.)

Next, replace the chains and water thoroughly. Hang the planter in a sunny location and keep the soil moist. Once the leaves reach usable size, you can begin harvesting your homegrown hanging basket lettuce!

As a cool weather vegetable, spring or fall is a great time to grow lettuce. Butter lettuces are tasty, sweet, and tender, and also easy to grow. Consider the heirloom variety Pirat for your cool-season garden. It’s easy to grow with good disease resistance and matures quickly in just 50 days. You can grow Pirat to use the baby leaves and for the mature heads.

What is Pirat Butterhead Lettuce?

Butterhead, or butter, lettuces include varieties that form looser heads, that have a sweeter flavor with less bitterness, and that have a more delicate texture than other lettuce varieties. In the grocery store, you’ll see these lettuces labeled as butter lettuce, Boston lettuce, or Bibb lettuce, but there are many other types, including the Pirat variety. Pirat lettuce plants are heirlooms that originated in Germany, and they have a unique coloration. Most butter lettuces are bright green, but this type is often called Pirat butter lettuce because it has a red blush on the edges of the leaves. The flavor and texture of Pirat is superior. The leaves are tender and the flavor is sweet. As you thin plants, you can use leaves as baby greens, but the fully mature leaves are nearly as delicate and gently flavored ones.

Growing Pirat Lettuce

This is a great, easy lettuce to grow for home gardeners. As compared to other butter lettuces, Pirat has a lot of disease resistance; it will resist downy mildew, tipburn, sclerotinia, and bacterial rot. It also holds off on bolting longer than other types of lettuce. Pirat lettuce seeds are less expensive than transplants, and this is a vegetable that is easy to start from seed. You can start the seeds indoors in early spring or late summer and plant outdoors later or start them right in the beds. Thin the seedlings so that they are about 12 inches (30 cm.) apart for the best results. Water your lettuce regularly, and be ready to harvest baby leaves in about a month and mature heads after 50 days. You can harvest mature heads entirely or you can work your way through a head by removing leaves as needed. Enjoy fresh right away for the best taste and texture.

The cooler months of fall may put most people in mind of apples, cider, and pumpkins, but vegetable gardeners know this is a great time to grow some cold-season lettuce. For a new variety, try growing Kweik lettuce, a type of butter lettuce with a lot of superior qualities.

What is Kweik Lettuce?

Kweik is a variety of butter lettuce. Some common varieties of butter lettuce that you’re likely to see in the grocery store are Bibb and Boston. Butter lettuces are known for forming a loose head of light to bright green leaves, a tender texture, and a less bitter, sweeter flavor than other types of lettuce. Among butter lettuce varieties, Kweik is fast-growing, tolerates cold, and produces loose, lime-green heads. The leaves are tender and may be sweet or a little bit bitter. The leaves are great for any type of salad. They also work for recipes that call for lettuce wraps or cups because the leaves are nice and wide.

Kweik Lettuce Information for Growing

Kweik lettuce plants grow quickly, with just 50 days to maturity. Fall is a great time to start this lettuce from seed. Hot weather will make the lettuce bolt, but fall is just right in most locations for Kweik to thrive and grow. You can grow it outdoors if your climate is right, in a cold box if you are at risk of getting an early frost, or in an unheated greenhouse throughout the winter. Sow your Kweik lettuce seeds in soil to about a quarter inch (0.5 cm.) depth. Thin the seedlings so that you have plants growing six inches (15 cm.) apart. You can plant seeds every few weeks to get a constant supply of lettuce. Make sure the soil stays moist but also drains well. Kweik butterhead lettuce is easy to grow, even for beginner vegetable gardeners. Not only does it mature quickly, but Kweik is resistant to several diseases and issues, including white mold, sclerotina stem rot, downy mildew, and leaf tipburn. For a fall or winter supply of lettuce, you can hardly do better than Kweik.

There are so many lettuce varieties available to gardeners, it can get a little overwhelming. All those leaves can start to look the same, and picking the right seeds to plant can start to seem impossible. Reading this article will help illuminate at least one of those varieties. Keep reading to learn more about growing Emerald Oak lettuce.

Emerald Oak Lettuce Info

What is Emerald Oak lettuce? This cultivar is a cross between two other lettuce varieties: Blushed Butter Oak and Deer Tongue. It was originally developed in 2003 by Frank and Karen Morton, owners of Wild Garden Seed, who over the years have bred countless new kinds of greens.

It is apparently a favorite on the Morton farm. The lettuce grows in dense, compact heads of rounded leaves that are a shade of bright green you could easily describe as “emerald.” It has juicy, buttery heads that are known for their flavor.

It can be harvested young for baby salad greens, or it can be grown to maturity and harvested all at once for its tasty outer leaves and pleasant, tightly packed hearts. It is especially resistant to tipburn, yet another plus.

Growing Emerald Oak Lettuce at Home

The lettuce “Emerald Oak” variety can be grown much like any other kind of lettuce. It likes neutral soil, though it can tolerate some acidity or alkalinity.

It needs moderate water and partial to full sun, and it grows best in cool weather. When temperatures get too high, it will bolt. That means it should be planted either in early spring (a few weeks before the last frost of spring) or late summer for a fall crop.

You can sow your seeds directly in the ground under a thin layer of soil, or start them indoors even earlier and transplant them out as the last frost approaches. Heads of the Emerald Oak lettuce variety take about 60 days to reach maturity, but small individual leaves can be harvested earlier.

What is Salinas lettuce? If you’re looking for a crispy lettuce that produces high yields, even when the weather is less than ideal, Salinas lettuce may be exactly what you’re looking for. When it comes to hardy, versatile lettuce, Salinas is one of the best, tolerating light frost and resisting bolting when temperatures rise in early summer. Interested in more Salinas lettuce information? Want to learn how to grow Salinas lettuce? Read on for helpful tips.

Salinas Lettuce Information

California’s Salinas valley is the foremost lettuce-growing region in the world. One of the area’s most popular types of lettuce, Salinas iceberg lettuce is grown across the United States and much of the world, including Australia and Sweden.

How to Grow Salinas Lettuce

Plant Salinas lettuce as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Plant a fall crop, if desired, in June or July. You can also plant Salinas lettuce indoors three to six weeks ahead of time.

Growing Salinas lettuce requires full sunlight or partial shade. Lettuce prefers fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure.

Plant Salinas lettuce seeds directly in the garden, then cover them with a very thin layer of soil. For full-size heads, plant seeds at a rate of about six seeds per inch (2.5 cm.), in rows 12 to 18 inches apart (31-46 cm.). Thin the lettuce to 12 inches (31 cm.) when the plants are about 2 inches tall (5 cm.). Overcrowding can result in bitter lettuce.

More Tips on Growing Salinas Lettuce

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as dry grass clippings or straw, to keep the soil cool and moist. Mulch will also suppress growth of weeds. Water lettuce at soil level in the mornings so the leaves have time to dry before evening. Keep the soil consistently moist but not drenched, especially important during warm, dry weather.

Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer, either granular or water-soluble, as soon as the plants are a couple of inches (2.5 cm.) tall. Water well immediately after fertilizing.

Check the lettuce regularly for slugs and aphids. Weed the area regularly as weeds draw nutrients and moisture from the roots.

Salinas lettuce matures approximately 70 to 90 days after planting. Keep in mind that full heads take longer to develop, especially when the weather is cool. Pick the outer leaves and you can continue to harvest lettuce as it grows. Otherwise, cut the entire head just above the soil.

Lettuce Reine des Glaces gets its beautiful name from its cold hardiness, since the translation from French is Queen of the Ice. Wonderfully crisp, Queen of the Ice lettuce is perfect for early spring sowing. Read on for tips on how to grow the Reine des Glaces lettuce plant.

Reine des Glaces Lettuce Plant Info

Ice Queen lettuce is a French heirloom lettuce that was developed in 1883. Since it thrives in cool and even cold weather, it is a top choice for early spring sowing.

Does that mean that lettuce Reine des Glaces wilts and bolts when the summer heat sneaks in? Not at all. In fact, it remains crisp and resists bolting even in summer. However, Queen of the Ice lettuce plants do prefer a few hours of afternoon shade in hottest weather. Reine des Glaces lettuce plants are especially productive in mild climates, where they grow right from spring through fall.

Reine des Glaces is a crisphead variety of lettuce that has a more open, relaxed growing habit.

The mature plant has a small, green center head but it is surrounded by looser outer leaves with spiky, lacy edges. Its small size makes it great for containers. And this is a type of lettuce that lets you pick the leaves you need while the head continues to grow. The delicious leaves of this variety can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked.

How to Plant Reine des Glaces Lettuce Seeds

Sow Reine des Glaces lettuce seeds right on the soil surface and only cover lightly. Make sure to choose a site with rich, fertile soil that drains well. Water your seeds often – it’s important to keep the soil moist at all times until your seedlings sprout.

It will take around 62 days until the heads are fully mature. Plant at intervals for a longer harvest period.

Iceberg lettuce may be considered passé by many, but those people have probably never enjoyed this crisp, juicy lettuce fresh from the garden. For a tasty iceberg with great texture that resists bolting in the summer and that provides consistent, quality heads, you need to try growing Summertime lettuce.

Summertime Lettuce Information

Iceberg lettuce is most often associated with sorry-looking heads in the grocery store, boring salads, and bland flavor. In reality, when you grow your own iceberg in the garden what you get is crisp, fresh, mild but delicious heads of lettuce. For salads, wraps, and sandwiches, it’s hard to beat a quality head of iceberg lettuce.

In the iceberg family, there are many varieties from which to choose. One of the best is Summertime. This variety was developed at Oregon State University and has several good qualities:

• It resists bolting in the summer heat and can be grown in warmer climates than other lettuces.
• Summertime lettuce plants resist discoloration on the ribs and tipburn.
• The heads are of very high quality.
• The flavor is mild and sweet, superior to other varieties, and the texture is pleasantly crisp.

How to Grow Summertime Lettuce

Even though Summertime lettuce is better in heat than other varieties, lettuce always prefers the cooler parts of the growing season. Grow this variety in spring and fall, starting seeds indoors or directly in the garden depending on temperatures. The time from seed to maturity is 60 to 70 days.

If you sow directly in the garden, thin the seedlings to 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm.) apart. Transplants begun indoors should be placed at this same spacing outdoors. The soil in your vegetable garden should be rich, so add compost if needed. It should also drain well. For best results, make sure the lettuce gets ample sun and water.

Summertime lettuce care is simple, and with the right conditions you’ll end up with tasty, pretty heads of iceberg lettuce. You can harvest the leaves as they grow, one or two at a time. You can also harvest the entire head once it is mature and ready to be picked.

Use your lettuce immediately for the best taste and texture but at least within a few days.

Lettuce used to be difficult to grow in southern climates, but more recently developed varietals, such as Ithaca lettuce plants, have changed all that. What is Ithaca lettuce? Read onto learn more about growing Ithaca lettuce.

What is Ithaca lettuce?

Ithaca lettuce plants are an open pollinated, crisphead lettuce cultivar developed by Dr. Minotti of Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca produces typical iceberg tightly wrapped heads about 5.5 inches (13 cm.) across that stay firm and crisp.

They produce excellent, crisp leaves suitable for sandwiches and salads. This cultivar has been a popular variety for eastern commercial growers for some time but will work easily in the home garden as well. It is more heat tolerant than other crisphead cultivars and is resistant to tipburn.

How to Grow Ithaca Lettuce

Ithaca lettuce can be grown in USDA zones 3-9 in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed, or start seeds indoors a few weeks prior to transplanting outdoors.

Sow seeds about 1/8 inch (3 mm.) deep. Seeds should germinate in 8-10 days. Thin seedlings when the first true set of leaves appear. Cut the thinning rather than pulling it out to avoid disrupting nearby roots of adjacent seedlings. If transplanting seedlings grown inside, harden them off over the course of a week.

Plants should be spaced 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm.) apart in rows that are 12-18 inches (30.5-45.5 cm.) apart.

Lettuce ‘Ithaca’ Care

Keep plants consistently moist but not sodden. Keep the area around the plants weed free and watch the lettuce for any signs of pests or diseases. Lettuce should be ready for harvest in about 72 days.

Lettuce is a vegetable garden staple, but it’s also a cool weather plant. What if you live in a hot climate and want to grow lettuce? You need a variety that won’t bolt as soon as the temperatures rise. You need to grow Summer Bibb lettuce plants.

What is Summer Bibb Lettuce?

Summer Bibb is a butterhead lettuce variety, one of many types of lettuce known for loose heads of leaves, pretty bright green colors, and a delicate texture and sweet, mild flavor. Butterhead leaves can be used in salads, but they’ll also stand up to light sautéing. Use the large, sturdy leaves to make wraps, or even through a wedge of a head on the grill.

With Summer Bibb you can enjoy lettuce in all these ways, even if you live in a warmer climate where lettuce is typically more difficult to grow. Lettuce bolts in the heat, becoming unusable, but Summer Bibb will resist bolting and hold out over other butterhead varieties by about two or three weeks.

It is because of this greater tolerance of heat, Summer Bibb is also a good choice for growing in a greenhouse.

Growing Summer Bibb Lettuce in the Garden

As a cool weather vegetable, lettuce is a great crop to grow in spring and fall. You can start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings to beds outside, or if there is no risk of frost you can sow Bibb lettuce seeds right in the soil outside. The time to maturity for Summer Bibb is about 60 days.

Sow your seeds or plant your transplants in soil that will drain well and in a site that gets full sun. Keep individual plants about 12 inches (31 cm.) apart so they have room to grow. Summer Bibb lettuce care is easy from this point on.

Water regularly without letting the soil get soggy. You can harvest individual leaves or the entire heads as they mature.

For warmer climate lettuce, Summer Bibb is hard to beat. You get a tasty, crisp, and attractive lettuce that won’t bolt as easily as other varieties with similar properties. Plan around the weather and enjoy a long, continuous harvest of this delicious Bibb lettuce in your garden.

There are so many varieties of lettuce to choose from these days, but it’s always worth going back to the good, old-fashioned iceberg. These crisp, refreshing lettuces are great in salad mixes but many don’t do well in hot climates. For a heat-tolerant iceberg lettuce, Sun Devil is a great choice.

About Sun Devil Lettuce Plants

Sun Devil is a type of iceberg lettuce. Also known as crisphead varieties, iceberg lettuces form tight heads of leaves that have high water content and are crispy with a mild flavor. Iceberg lettuces are also desirable because you can pick the whole head, and it will last unwashed in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. You can remove leaves to wash and use as needed. The heads of Sun Devil lettuce will grow to between six and 12 inches (15 to 30.5 cm.) high and wide, and they produce easily and well. Sun Devil is also unique in that it is an iceberg variety that actually thrives in hot, desert climates. This is a good option for areas like southern California, Texas, and Arizona. Enjoy your Sun Devil lettuce leaves in salads and sandwiches but also in some surprising ways. You can use the large leaves like tortillas to make tacos and wraps. You can even sear, braise, or grill quarters or halves of the lettuce head for a unique vegetable side dish.

Growing Sun Devil Lettuce

When planting Sun Devil lettuce, start from seed. You can either start seeds indoors and then transplant them outside, or you can sow the seeds directly in the ground. The choice may depend on your climate and the time of year. In the spring, start indoors before the last frost. In late summer or early fall, you sow seeds outside. Sun Devil lettuce care includes giving your seedlings and transplants a spot with full sun and soil that drains well. Use raised beds if necessary, and amend the soil with compost to make it richer. Make sure the heads have room to grow by spacing transplants or thinning seedlings until they are 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30.5 cm.) apart. Sun Devil takes about 60 days to get to maturity, so harvest your lettuce by removing the entire head when it’s ready.

Classic butter lettuce has the gentle toothiness and flavor that is perfect for salads and other dishes. The Carmona lettuce plant goes one bigger by flaunting a beautiful, maroon-red color. Plus, it's a hardy variety that can tolerate frost. Keep reading for some helpful Carmona lettuce information, including growing tips.

Carmona Lettuce Information

Carmona red lettuce is deeply pinkish-red on the tips, with a shocking green center. The leaves are very attractive and really brighten up a salad. The Carmona lettuce plant is ready for harvest in approximately 50 days and may be sown in spring or late summer in some zones. Carmona lettuce is a popular variety at Farmer's Markets and a Canadian heirloom. Gardeners in USDA zones 3 to 9 should try growing Carmona lettuce. Not only is it visually appealing but the buttery texture and sweet taste make an outstanding lettuce. The heads are loosely packed with ruffled leaves and a white core. You can cut outer leaves when the plant is young at least once but, thereafter, wait until the whole head is ready to harvest. While lettuce is a cool season crop that prefers well-draining soil, it can also grow very well in containers. Carmona red lettuce is useful in a mixed greens container with a variety of shapes and colors of lettuce.

Growing Carmona Lettuce

Prepare soil as soon as it is workable. Carmona lettuce grows best at temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16-18 C.) but will germinate as low as 45 (7 C.). You may also opt to start the seed indoors in March and plant out once the danger of frost has passed. Incorporate plenty of nitrogen rich organic material prior to planting and check drainage. Lettuces will rot readily in boggy soil. Cover seed lightly with soil and water well. Keep the bed moderately moist until germination. Thin seedlings where they are tightly packed. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous supply. Cover summer lettuce with shade cloth.

Caring for Carmona Lettuce

Carmona is slow to bolt and has disease resistance to many common lettuce ailments. It is also resistant to tipburn. Cut the outer leaves for use at any time and harvest the head for baby greens or let it fully mature. Slugs and snails are your worst enemy. Use copper tape or an organic product like Sluggo to protect the tender leaves. Excess moisture can produce several fungal diseases. Make sure there is adequate spacing between the heads and only water under the leaves when soil is dry to the touch. You can store Carmona lettuce for up to 2 weeks in a cool, dark location.

If you like lettuce wraps, then you’re familiar with butterhead types of lettuce. Butterhead lettuce, like most lettuce, does not do well with severe temperatures, so if you are in a warmer climate, you may have been reluctant to grow this green veggie. If that’s the case, then you’ve never tried growing Buttercrunch lettuce. The following Buttercrunch plant info discusses how to grow lettuce ‘Buttercrunch’ and its care.

What is Buttercrunch Lettuce?

Butterhead lettuces are sought after for their “buttery” flavor and velvety texture. The small, loosely formed heads yield leaves that are at once delicate and yet strong enough to roll into lettuce wraps. Butterhead lettuce has soft, green, slightly curled leaves wrapped around a loose inner head of blanched, sweet-flavored, interior leaves. The butterhead lettuce ‘Buttercrunch’ has the above qualities with the added advantage of being slightly more tolerant of heat. As mentioned, Butterhead lettuce is more resistant to heat, thus bolting less than other butterhead lettuces. It stays mild long after others become bitter. Buttercrunch was developed by George Raleigh of Cornell University and is an All-American Selection winner for 1963. It was the gold standard for butterhead lettuce for years.

Growing Buttercrunch Lettuce

Buttercrunch lettuce is ready to harvest in about 55-65 days from sowing. Although it tolerates heat better than other lettuces, it should still be planted early in spring or later in the fall season. Seeds may be sown indoors a few weeks prior to the last frost for your area. Sow seeds 8 inches (20.5 cm). apart in partial shade or an area of eastern exposure, if possible, in fertile soil. Space plants about 10-12 inches (25.5-30.5 cm.) apart with a foot (30.5 cm.) between rows.

Buttercrunch Lettuce Care

If the plants are situated in an area with more sun, use a shade cloth to protect them. Keep the plants moderately moist. For a continuous supply of lettuce, plant successive plantings every two weeks. Leaves can be collected throughout the growing cycle or the entire plant can be harvested.

Sanguine Ameliore butterhead lettuce is one of several varieties of tender, sweet butter lettuces. Like Bibb and Boston, this variety is delicate with a soft leaf and a flavor that is more sweet than bitter. Learn more about this unique, colorful lettuce and how to grow it in your garden this fall.

Sanguine Ameliore Lettuce Information

Butter lettuces are known for their tender, sweet leaves, bright green colors, and loosely packed, softball-sized heads. What makes the Sanguine Ameliore variety different and special is the deep red speckling on the bright green leaves. Sanguine Ameliore is a fairly rare variety of lettuce, but you can find seeds online. It originated in France and was introduced in the U.S. in the early 1900s. The word ‘sanguine’ means blood and refers to the blood-red spots on the leaves. For those growing lettuce, Sanguine Ameliore is a great variety to choose both for its uses in the kitchen and the visual interest it adds to vegetable beds.

Growing Sanguine Ameliore Lettuce

With just some basic Sanguine Ameliore information, you can start growing and harvesting this tasty lettuce. Grow and care for this type of lettuce as you would other varieties. As a cool weather crop, you can start the lettuce in the early spring or late summer to early fall for two crops. Sow your Sanguine Ameliore seeds about one inch (2.5 cm.) apart. If starting outdoors, thin the seedlings until they are just 10 inches (25.5 cm.) apart, and if starting indoors, transplant seedlings outside with this same spacing. The heads will grow about 8 inches (20.5 cm.) wide. Keep watering your lettuces regularly, but be sure the soil drains well and they don’t get saturated with water. It takes 60 days for Sanguine Ameliore to reach maturity. Before then, you can start harvesting individual leaves, enjoying baby lettuces. You can also wait until maturity and harvest the entire head at once. Use this lettuce as you would any other, but like most butter lettuces, these are best enjoyed fresh from the garden. You can enjoy the leaves in salads, but they also work well in recipes for lettuce cup dishes, as the leaves are large enough to hold a filling. Sanguine Ameliore is an easy lettuce to grow and well worth the minimal effort to enjoy the tasty leaves.

What is Crispino lettuce? A type of iceberg lettuce, Crispino dependably produces firm, uniform heads and glossy, green leaves with a mild, sweet flavor. Crispino lettuce plants are especially notable for their adaptability, thriving in conditions that are less than ideal, especially in warm, humid climates. Are you interested in learning how to grow Crispino lettuce? Read on and learn how easy it can be.

Crispino Growing Information

Crispino iceberg lettuce matures in approximately 57 days. However, expect full heads to take at least three weeks longer in cool weather. Look for Crispino lettuce plants to mature about a week earlier in consistently warm weather.

How to Grow Crispino Lettuce

Caring for Crispino lettuce plants in the garden is an easy endeavor, as Crispino iceberg lettuce is hardy and can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. You can plant more lettuce when the temperature drops in fall. Crispino lettuce is a cool weather plant that performs best when temperatures are between 60 and 65 F. (16-18 C.). Germination is poor when temperatures are above 75 F. (24 C.). Crispino lettuce requires cool, moist, well-drained soil. Add a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure a few days prior to planting. Plant Crispino lettuce seeds directly in the soil, then cover them a very thin layer of soil. For full-size heads, plant seeds at a rate of about 6 seeds per inch (2.5 cm.) in rows 12 to 18 inches apart (30.5-45.5 cm.). You can also start seeds indoors three to four weeks ahead of time. Water Crispino iceberg lettuce once or twice per week, or whenever the soil feels dry about an inch (2.5 cm.). below the surface. Too dry soil may result in bitter lettuce. During hot weather, you can sprinkle the lettuce lightly any time the leaves look wilted. Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer, either granular or water-soluble, as soon as the plants are a couple of inches (5 cm.) tall. If you use granular fertilizer, apply it at about half the rate suggested by the manufacture. Be sure to water well immediately after fertilizing. Apply a layer of compost or other organic mulch to keep the soil cool and moist, and to discourage the growth of weeds. Weed the area regularly, but be careful not to disturb the roots.

You can call it Summer Crisp, French cris,p or Batavia, but these Summer Crisp lettuce plants are a lettuce lover’s best friend. Most lettuce grows best in cool weather, but Summer Crisp lettuce varieties tolerate summer heat. If you are looking for lettuce to grow next summer, read on. We’ll give you lots of Summer Crisp lettuce information, including tips for growing Summer Crisp lettuce in your garden.

Summer Crisp Lettuce Info

If you’ve ever eaten lettuce grown in too-hot weather, it’s likely you found it bitter tasting and even tough. That’s a good reason to put in Summer Crisp lettuce plants. These plants grow happily in summer heat. But they remain sweet, without any trace of bitterness. Summer Crisp lettuce varieties are a great meld of open lettuce and compact heads. They grow in loose, making it easy for you to harvest the outer leaves if you like, but they mature into compact heads.

Growing Summer Crisp Lettuce

Summer Crisp lettuce varieties are all hybrid plants. That means that you can’t be a frugal seed-saver, but the plants have been bred to be extremely heat tolerant. Summer Crisp plants are also very slow to bolt and less resistant to tipburn or rot. On the other hand, you can grow Summer Crisp lettuce when it’s cool, just like other lettuce varieties. In fact, some varieties are even cold tolerant too. Among the different Summer Crisp varieties, you’ll find green lettuce, red lettuce, and also a multicolored, speckled type. Most of the varieties take about 45 days to go from planting to harvest. But you don’t have to pick at 45 days. You can pick outer baby leaves early for sweet, delicious salads. The rest of the plant will continue to produce. Or leave the heads in the garden for a much longer period than 45 days and they will continue to grow. If you want to start growing Summer Crisp lettuce, work in some organic compost into the soil before you plant. Summer crisp varieties perform better with fertile soil. You’ll find lots of great Summer Crisp lettuce varieties in commerce. ‘Nevada’ is among the most popular, with a sweet nutty taste. It forms large, handsome heads. ‘Concept’ lettuce is very sweet, with thick, juicy leaves. Harvest as baby lettuce leaves or let full heads develop.

Batavia lettuce varieties are heat resistant and have "cut and come again" harvesting. They are also called French lettuce and have sweet ribs and tender leaves. There are several types of Batavian lettuce plants, with different colors, sizes, and flavors to suit any salad lover. Try growing Batavian lettuce and bring some interest to your vegetable crisper.

What is Batavia Lettuce?

Batavia lettuce is a summer crisp variety that will germinate in warm temperatures and is slow to bolt. There are both open and close headed varieties in colors of green, burgundy, red, magenta, and mixed hues. All kinds of Batavia lettuce are open pollinated and good options for a late season garden. Batavian lettuce plants produce beautifully in cool days like most other lettuce varieties, but they also stand up once the heat comes. The seed will even germinate in temperatures that are too hot for most lettuce seed. Most summer crisp lettuce has loose, wavy leaved heads, but some are more compact and almost iceberg-like. The sweet, firmly ribbed leaves may be green-red, bronze-green, lime green, and many more hues. When several kinds of Batavia lettuce are planted in a bed, their ruffled leaves and variety of colors make for an attractive and tasty display.

Growing Batavian Lettuce

Because of Batavian's good tolerance to heat, the seed can germinate at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 C.). Lettuce prefers full sun in well worked soil. Add plenty of well-rotted organic material and make sure there is good drainage. Lettuce should be watered from under the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Keep Batavian lettuces moderately moist but not soggy. Lettuce shouldn't need fertilizer if the soil is properly prepared with organic amendments. Keep weed pests out of the bed and use slug bait to combat those slimy pests and their cousins, the snails. If you have rabbits, you will also need to erect a critter fence.

Batavia Lettuce Varieties

There are many types of summer crisp lettuce. The green types are flavorful and some of the more heat tolerant. Loma has an almost curly endive appearance, while Nevada is a classic, open head. Other green varieties are Concept, Sierra, Muir, and Anuenue. If you want to add some color to your salad bowl, try growing some of the red or bronze types. Cherokee Red has green ribs and cores but purple-red leaves. Cardinale is another purple red but has a tighter head. Mottistone is delightfully speckled, while Magenta is colored just as its name indicates. All of these are easy to grow in organic rich soil and add tremendous variety to your produce bin.

Don’t ignore the lettuce ‘Anuenue’ just because the name looks difficult to pronounce. It’s Hawaiian, so say it this way: Ah-new-ee-new-ee, and consider it for a garden patch in high-heat areas. Anuenue lettuce plants are a heat-tolerant form of Batavian lettuce, sweet, and crisp. If you want more information on Anuenue Batavian lettuce, or tips for growing Anuenue lettuce in your garden, then read on.

About Lettuce ‘Anuenue’

The lettuce ‘Anuenue’ has delicious, crisp green leaves that are never bitter. That’s a great recommendation in and of itself for growing Anuenue lettuce, but the real attraction is its heat tolerance. In general, lettuce is known as a cool weather crop, coming into its own before and after other summer veggies are ready for harvest. Unlike most of its cousins, Anuenue lettuce has seeds that will germinate at warmer temperatures, even 80 degrees F. (27 C.) or greater. Anuenue lettuce plants grows slower than many other varieties. While that may seem like a disadvantage, it actually works to your benefit it you live in a warm climate. It’s the slow growth that gives Anuenue lettuce their size and sweetness, even in heat. When the heads mature, they are untouchable for crispness and sweetness, never getting even a hint of bitterness. The heads of Anuenue look quite a bit like iceberg lettuce, but they are greener and larger. The heart is tightly packed and the leaves compact as the crop matures. Although the word “anuenue” means “rainbow” in Hawaiian, these lettuce heads are actually a bright green.

Growing Anuenue Lettuce

Anuenue Batavian lettuce was bred at the University of Hawaii. That won’t surprise you once you know that this variety is heat tolerant. You can plant Anuenue lettuce seeds in spring or fall for a crop of big heads 55 to 72 days later. If it’s still chilly in March, start the plants indoors before the last frost. In fall, direct sow Anuenue lettuce seeds into the garden soil. The lettuce requires a sunny location and well-draining soil. The biggest task you’ll face in growing Anuenue is regular watering. Like other types of lettuce, Anuenue Batavian lettuce likes to get regular drinks.

Lettuce lovers rejoice! Divina lettuce plants produce emerald green leaves that are sweet and perfect for salad. In warmer regions, where lettuces bolt quickly, Divina lettuce is slow to bolt and can provide greens for weeks. Use the outer leaves as the inner head develops and then take the whole tightly folded head for a main meal. Some tips on how to grow Divina lettuce will see you enjoying this amazing lettuce within 50 days of seeding.

About Divina Lettuce Plants

There are many types of salad greens available for gardeners to grow. Divina is an outstanding variety of butterhead, with delicately ruffled leaves and a tender crunch. Care for Divina lettuce is minimal because once started in a good site and soil, it mostly fends for itself. There are a few serious pests to watch for when growing Divina lettuce and the variety is resistant to powdery mildew and sclerotinia. Divina is a classic butter leaf lettuce with the characteristic delicate, tooth happy texture and lush flavor. The heads are fairly loose with wavy leaves and bright green color. It is a French variety that has all but disappeared from cultivation and is an heirloom resurrected by novelty growers. The large outer leaves make perfect lettuce wraps and the denser inner head has a slight crunch at the rib with softer edges. Divina prefers cooler weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall crop.

How to Grow Divina Lettuce

Divina is grown from seed. Select a full sun location and prepare soil by tilling deeply and incorporating plenty of composted organic matter. You can also start seeds indoors in flats and transplant them outside. Indoor starts are best for a fall crop. This smaller lettuce is also suitable for container growing. Sow on the surface of prepared soil and dust a bit more soil over the top of the seeds. Keep the area moist but not soggy. Germination can be expected in 7 to 12 days.

Divina Lettuce Plant Care

Growing Divina lettuce is one of the easier crops provided it is timed to harvest before hot weather arrives. Even though it is resistant to powdery mildew, watering under the leaves will prevent any other fungal diseases. Keep vigilant for slugs and snails, which will make Swiss cheese out of your little plants. Provide slug bait, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps to prevent these common pests from chewing on your crop. Use organic insecticidal soap for any other pests. If you have rabbits in your garden, erect a critter fence. Harvest the outer leaves at any time. The heads should be ready to use in approximately 50 days.

Iceberg lettuce has been slowly but steadily replaced with darker greens richer in nutrients, but for those purists that can’t fathom a BLT without a crispy leaf of lettuce, there’s no substitute for iceberg. Lettuce, in general, tends to thrive in cooler temperatures, but for those in southern climes, try growing Ballade lettuce plants. Read on to learn how to grow Ballade lettuce and about Ballade lettuce care.

What is Ballade Lettuce?

Iceberg lettuce was introduced in 1945 and developed for its resistance to wilting. First referred to as “crisphead” lettuce due to its texture and shape, the common name “iceberg” arose from how it was transported, across the country in trucks filled with ice to preserve the lettuce. Ballade lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Ballade’) is an iceberg type of lettuce that is notable for its heat tolerance. This particular hybrid was developed in Thailand specifically for its ability to thrive in hot temperatures. Ballade lettuce plants mature early, about 80 days from planting. They have the traditional iceberg bright green compact head with crisp leaves. Ballade lettuce grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.).

How to Grow Ballade Lettuce

Ballade lettuce is self-fertile. Ideal temperatures for germination should be from 60 to 70 degrees F. (16-21 C.). Select a site that is in full sun, at least six hours per day, and press the seeds lightly into the soil. Keep the seeds moist but not sodden. Germination should occur within 2 to 15 days from sowing. Seeds can be planted directly in the garden or sown indoors for later transplant. Thin the seedlings when they have their first set of leaves. Cut them with scissors to avoid disturbing neighboring roots.

Ballade Lettuce Care

Iceberg lettuce does not have deep roots, so it needs regular irrigation. Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch when you push your finger into it. A good rule of thumb is to provide one inch (2.5 cm.) of water every week depending upon weather conditions. Water the plants at the base to avoid splashing the leaves which can result in fungal diseases. Mulch around the plants to retard weeds, retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and to supply the plants with nutrients as the mulch breaks down. Keep an eye out for pests such as slugs and snails. Set out bait, traps, or hand pick the pests.

Beautiful, crunchy salad greens right from the garden are an almost year-round treat in some regions. Crisphead lettuce varieties offer greens with a nice, toothy snap and sweet flavor that complements any dressing. What is crisphead lettuce? You may recognize crisphead lettuce plants as the commonly sold iceberg lettuce found in your produce market. Versatile and easy to grow with a little know how.

What is Crisphead Lettuce?

Crisphead lettuce is mostly grown in cooler, northern climates. It needs a bit more maintenance than the loose-leaf varieties and has a characteristic flavor and texture not found in those types. They bolt in summer but can be started in fall or early spring, producing at least two seasons of produce. They also need a longer growing period as compared to the upright or loose-leaf varieties. Some crisphead lettuce info will help you navigate this more picky but definitely worth growing head lettuce. Crisphead, or iceberg, is a rounded, compact lettuce with overlapping leaves. The interior leaves are paler and sweet, while the exterior, greener leaves are more malleable and useful for lettuce wraps. The plants need a long, cool season to develop the dense heads. In areas without such weather, they should be started indoors and transplanted outside while temperatures are still cool. Plants growing in summer will generally bolt and get bitter. Crisphead lettuce plants are favorites of slugs and snails as well as other pests and need constant vigilance to prevent leaf damage.

Growing Crisphead Lettuce

The best way to ensure thick, round heads is to start the seed indoors in flats or outside in cold frames. Temperatures of 45 to 65 degrees F. (7-18 C.) are ideal for growing head lettuces. Harden off transplants and install them in a bed with loose, loamy soil and plenty of organic matter. Space them 12 to 15 inches (31-38 cm.) apart. Use an organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent competitive weeds. Crisphead lettuce info recommends frequent but light watering, which will promote the growth of the leaves. Make sure the area has good drainage to prevent mildew and fungal problems. Use iron phosphate around the bed to prevent snail and slug damage.

Crisphead Lettuce Varieties

Some of the head lettuces have been bred to be more heat resistant and/or slower to bolt. These varieties should be selected in areas with short spring cool temps. Ithaca and Great Lakes are suitable for these climates. Igloo is another great heat resistant type. Crispino forms medium sized, light green heads. Iceberg A was introduced in 1894 and develops large deep green heads. A slightly looser head is produced by Red Grenoble, with fluted leaf edges and attractive bronze, red blush tones. Harvest heads when compact and firm. Use them in wraps, salads, sandwiches, or just as a crispy snack.

So suddenly your vibrantly green, healthy lettuce has white spots. You thought you did everything to keep the plants healthy so why do your lettuce plants have white spots? Lettuce with white spots might mean a few different things, usually a fungal disease but not always. Keep reading to find out the causes of white spots on lettuce plants.

Why Does my Lettuce have White Spots?

First of all, take a good look at the white spots. Actually, do better than look – see if you can wipe the spots off. Yes? If that is the case, it is likely something in the air that has drifted down onto the leaves. It could be ash if there are forest fires nearby or dust from a nearby quarry. If the white spots on the lettuce cannot be removed, the cause is likely a fungal disease. Some diseases are more benign than others, but even so, fungi spread through spores that are pretty hard to tackle. Since the tender leaf of lettuce is eaten, I don’t recommend spraying lettuce with white spots that are suspected as coming from a fungus.

Fungal Reasons for Lettuce That has White Spots

Downy mildew is my number one culprit simply because it seems to attack all types of vegetation. Pale yellow to very light green spots appear on the mature leaves of the lettuce. As the disease advances, the leaves turn white and moldy and the plant dies. Downy mildew thrives in infected crop residue. The spores are wind borne. Symptoms appear in about 5 to 10 days from infection often following cool, humid weather with rain, heavy fog, or dew. If you suspect downy mildew, the best bet is to remove and destroy the plant. Next time around, plant varieties of lettuce that are resistant to this disease such as Arctic King, Big Boston, Salad Bowl, and Imperial. Also, keep the garden free from plant debris that harbors the fungi. Another possibility is called white rust or Albugo candida. Another fungal disease, white rust may commonly affect not only lettuce but mizuna, Chinese cabbage, radish, and mustard leaves. Initial symptoms are white spots or pustules on the underside of the leaves. As the disease progresses, the leaves brown and wilt. As with downy mildew, remove any infected plants. In the future, plant resistant varieties and use drip irrigation or focus on watering at the base of the plant to keep the leaves of the plants dry since fungal infections generally coincide with moisture that lingers on the leaves of plants.

The addition of lettuce in the home garden is a very popular choice for growers wishing to extend their gardening season, as well as add variety to their homegrown vegetable plots. In addition to being one of the earliest sown vegetables, lettuce plants can also be grown throughout the fall to extend the harvest period into winter. Many lettuces, such as ‘Oscarde,’ offer its growers a crisp texture, as well as a vibrant pop of color.

What is Oscarde Lettuce?

Oscarde lettuce plants are an oakleaf variety of loose-leaf lettuce. Prized by growers for their stunning reddish purple color, these plants offer gardeners a delicious disease resistant green that is perfectly suited for a variety of garden growing conditions. Reaching maturity in as little as 30 days, Oscarde lettuce seeds are excellent candidates for early season and succession sowing.

Growing Oscarde Lettuce

Oscarde lettuce plants prefer to grow when temperatures are cool. Therefore, growers must first determine the best planting time for their garden. Oscarde lettuce seeds are most commonly directly sown into the garden in early spring, around a month before the last predicted frost date. However, those unable to do so also have the option of starting the lettuce plants indoors and then planting out into the garden, or even planting in fall. Due to its quick growth, size, and habit, this variety is an exceptional choice for growers wishing to make intensive plantings in the ground or in pots and containers. To grow lettuce in containers, thickly surface sow the seeds and water thoroughly. Harvest young leaves frequently for tender salad greens. Lettuce should be planted in a well-draining location that receives ample sunlight. Gardeners growing where temperatures are warm may want to protect plants from excessive afternoon heat, as this can directly impact the quality of plants. Like many other varieties of lettuce, Oscarde may become bitter and eventually bolt (produce seed) when grown in or exposed to higher temperatures for a long period of time. Throughout the season, Oscarde lettuce plants require minimal care, aside from consistent watering. Frequent monitoring of crops will help growers avoid loss due to pests such as aphids, slugs, and garden snails.

Lettuce has long been one of the most common staples in the vegetable garden. In addition to the quality taste when picked fresh, lettuce is also a great option for first-time growers or for those wishing to grow their own produce without access to adequate garden space. The combination of its quick growth habit, compact size, and ability to grow in a wide range of conditions makes lettuce an easy choice. Some varieties, such as Tom Thumb, are specifically suited for growth in containers, grow bags, and raised beds, making even more great options for small space gardeners.

Tom Thumb Lettuce Facts

Tom Thumb lettuce plants are a unique variety of butterhead or bibb lettuce. These plants produce crisp buttery leaves which form a loose head. Reaching maturity in around 45 days, the most unique characteristic of these plants is their diminutive size. Small 4 to 5 inch (10 to 15 cm.) plants are perfect for a wide range of garden applications, including its use as a single serving’ salad. Growing lettuce, Tom Thumb specifically, is quite the popular choice among gardeners for container plantings, as well as for interplanting it with various other cool season crops.

Growing Tom Thumb Lettuce Plants

The process of growing Tom Thumb lettuce is very similar to growing other varieties of lettuce. First, you need to determine when it is best to plant the seeds. Since lettuce plants flourish when they're grown in cooler temperatures, planting most often takes place early in spring and into the fall in successions. Spring sowing generally takes place around one month before the last predicted frost date. While it is possible to sow lettuce seeds indoors, most gardeners choose to direct sow the seeds into well amended soil. To direct sow Tom Thumb lettuce seeds, select a well-draining location that receives direct sunlight. Whether planting into the ground or into prepared containers, keep lettuce seeds moist until germination occurs within seven to ten days. Plants may be spaced according to seed packet recommendations or sown intensively for more frequent harvests. Once established, Tom Thumb lettuce care is relatively simple. Plants will benefit from frequent watering and rich soil. Frequent monitoring for damage from pests, such as slugs and snails, will be imperative due to this plant’s small size. Harvests can be made by removing a few leaves from each plant or by cutting the entire lettuce plant and removing it from the garden.

When we go to restaurants, we usually don’t get to specify that we would like our salad made with Parris Cos, De Morges Braun lettuce, or other varieties we favor in the garden. Instead, we must rely on the luck of the draw, and hope that whatever salad mix the waiter brings us is crisp and sweet, not limp and bitter. This game of lettuce roulette can lead to a disappointing dining experience for salad lovers. Gardeners, however, can avoid this disappointment by simply growing their own delicious, crisp, sweet lettuce varieties – with the lettuce ‘De Morges Braun’ being high on the list. Read on to learn more about De Morges Braun lettuce plants.

What is De Morges Braun Lettuce?

Most lettuce varieties take up very little space in the garden and can be planted in succession or as companions with other garden plants, giving us the opportunity to grow several different varieties, which can be harvested over and over for fresh salad mixes throughout the growing season. Certain tasty lettuce varieties, such as ‘De Morges Braun’ lettuce, are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye and can be tucked in small spaces of ornamental beds or containers. De Morges Braun is a variety of romaine lettuce that originated in Switzerland. The lettuce plants form classic, upright romaine heads which grow 6 to 15 inches tall (15-38 cm.) and 12 to 18 inches wide (31-46 cm.). It is commonly known as red leaf lettuce or red leaf romaine because in cooler temperatures the outer leaves will develop a rich pink to red color, while the inner leaves retain a bright green color. As temperatures warm up throughout the growing season, the outer foliage reverts back to an apple green. De Morges Braun lettuce plants are notably slow to bolt in summer and have excellent cold tolerance.

De Morges Braun Lettuce Care

Like most lettuce plants, growing De Morges Braun does best in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. The unique reddish hues in these seasons not only add interest to salad mixes, but can also accent plants in the landscape or containers. In autumn, the red foliaged plants can be used interchangeably with kale or ornamental cabbages to accent mums and other fall plants. In spring, the pink or red foliage may add some of the first hues of color to the garden. Plants have excellent heat and cold tolerance for lettuce plants, but in colder northern climates, seeds may need to be started indoors or in cold frames. When planted in ideal temperatures, between 40 and 70 degrees F. (4-21 C.), De Morges Braun romaine lettuce seeds will germinate in about 5 to 15 days and mature in 65 days. Seeds can be sown in three week intervals. Though De Morges Braun lettuce leaves rarely bitter with age, they are usually harvested from the plants as needed for fresh salads and garnishes. Succession plantings and harvesting mature leaves as needed will extend the season. To retain the rich pink and red hues of De Morges Braun lettuce leaves in summer, provide plants with the light shade from tall companion plants in the afternoon.

Among the first crops to be planted early in the growing season, when it comes to lettuce, home gardeners have nearly unlimited options from which to choose. Hybrid and open-pollinated varieties offer growers a multitude of sizes, textures, and colors. Not only do the succulent homegrown lettuce leaves far surpass their grocery store counterparts in taste but varieties such as ‘Yugoslavian Red’ can delight growers with a diversity filled garden.

What is Yugoslavian Red Lettuce?

Yugoslavian Red lettuce is a variety of crisp butterhead (or Bibb) lettuce. Butterhead lettuces are known for their loosely formed heads. Like most lettuce, Yugoslavian Red thrives when temperatures are cool in late fall and early spring. Reaching 10 to 12 inches (25-31 cm.) at maturity, this lettuce is prized for its beautiful green-yellow color with light red-purple blushing. Popular for its mild and buttery taste, Yugoslavian Red lettuce plants are an excellent choice for containers, as well as for direct seedings in the garden.

Growing Yugoslavian Red Lettuce Plants

Growing Yugoslavian Red lettuce is very similar to growing any other type of lettuce. In general, butterhead lettuces will require more spacing than other loose-leaf types. In most cases, this means it is best to allow at least 12 inch (31 cm.) spacing between each plant. This allows for the butterhead types to form their signature head. However, those wishing to plant in containers or make intensive lettuce plantings can do so, harvesting young leaves, rather than mature formed heads. Since lettuce prefers to grow in cooler temperatures, seeds can be sown in early spring or fall. Select a well-draining location that receives direct sun. Though most gardeners choose to direct sow the seeds, it is possible to start seeds indoors before moving them into the garden. In general, seeds should be sown around one month before the last predicted frost date or in the spring. This will ensure ample time for plant growth before temperatures rise in the summer. High temperatures are detrimental to lettuce, as it may cause leaves to become bitter and cause plants to eventually bolt (produce seeds). Throughout the growing season, lettuce plants require minimal care. Growers should maintain a schedule of consistent watering, as well as monitor the plants for damage done by common garden pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids.

Every spring, when garden centers are a mad rush of customers filling their wagons with vegetable, herb, and bedding plants, I wonder why so many gardeners try to put in their entire garden in just one weekend when succession planting provides better yields and an extended harvest. For example, if you like fresh greens and leafy vegetables throughout the season, planting smaller batches of seed or starter plants, at 2- to 4-week intervals will give you a continual source of leafy greens to harvest. Whereas planting row after row of leafy greens in one weekend will give you too many crops to harvest, store, or use in a short time. Certain plants are better for succession plantings than others, though, like lettuce. The quick maturation and cool-season preference oftentimes allow you to start planting earlier in the spring and later in the summer. Unfortunately, if you live in a region with hot summers, you know that many of these crops have a tendency to bolt in the midsummer heat. However, some crop varieties, such as Winter Density lettuce, boast the ability to withstand the heat of summer and grow fresh heads of lettuce all season long. Continue reading to learn more perks of growing Winter Density lettuce.

Winter Density Information

Winter Density lettuce (Latuca sativa), also known as Craquerelle du Midi, is a cross between butterhead lettuce and romaine lettuce. Its flavor is described as sweet and crisp, like butterhead lettuce. It produces an upright head, similar to romaine lettuce, about 8 inches (20.5 cm.) tall, of dark green, slightly curled, tight leaves. When mature, the heads sit high upon the stems, making them easily harvested. Not only does winter density lettuce withstand summer heat better than other lettuces, it also is known to tolerate cold and frost. In regions that do not experience a hard freeze in winter, it is possible to grow Winter Density lettuce as a winter sown vegetable. Seeds can be sown every 3-4 weeks starting in early fall for winter harvest. However, keep in mind that frost tolerance means only that the plant can survive some exposure to frost, as too much of this exposure can damage or kill Winter Density lettuce plants. If you live in frost prone regions, you may still be able to grow Winter Density lettuce through the winter in cold frames, greenhouses, or hoop houses.

How to Grow Winter Density Lettuce Plants

Grown from viable seed, Winter Density lettuce plants can be harvested as baby lettuce in about 30-40 days. Plants mature in approximately 55-65 days. Like most lettuce, the seed of Winter Density lettuce requires cool temperatures to germinate. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden, every 2-3 weeks, about 1/8 inch (0.25 cm.) deep. Winter Density plants are usually grown in rows about 36 inches (91.5 cm.) apart with plants spaced about 10 inches (25.5 cm.) apart. They grow best in full sun but can be placed near the feet of taller garden plants for some shading against the intense, afternoon sun.

In late winter, as we thumb through seed catalogs anxiously awaiting the next gardening season, it can be tempting to buy seeds of every vegetable variety that we haven’t tried growing yet. As gardeners, we know that just one tiny, inexpensive seed can soon become a monstrous plant, producing more fruit than we can even eat and most of us only have feet to work with in the garden, not acres. While some plants take up a lot of room in the garden, lettuce takes very little space and can be grown in the cool temperatures of spring, fall, and even winter in some regions when very few other garden veggies are growing. You can also plant different varieties of lettuce in succession for a longer season of harvesting fresh leaves and heads. One excellent lettuce to try in the garden for a long harvest is Parris Island cos lettuce.

Parris Island Lettuce Info

Named after Parris Island, a small island off the eastern seaboard in South Carolina, Parris Island lettuce was first introduced in 1952. Today, it is celebrated as a reliable heirloom lettuce and is a favorite romaine lettuce (also called cos) in the southeastern U.S. where it can be grown in fall, winter, and spring. It can be slow to bolt in the heat of summer if given a little afternoon shade and daily irrigation. Not only does it offer a long growing season, Parris Island cos lettuce also reportedly has the highest nutritional values of any lettuce. Parris Island lettuce is a romaine variety with dark green leaves and a cream to white heart. It forms vase-shaped heads which can grow up to 12 inches (31 cm.) tall. However, its outer leaves are usually harvested as needed for garden fresh salads or a sweet, crisp addition to sandwiches, rather than the whole head being harvested at once. In addition to its long season and exceptional nutrition values, Parris Island is resistant to lettuce mosaic virus and tipburn.

Growing Parris Island Cos Plants

Growing Parris Island cos is no different than growing any lettuce plant. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden and will mature in about 65 to 70 days. They should be planted in rows set about 36 inches (91 cm.) apart and thinned so that plants are no closer than 12 inches (31 cm.) apart. Lettuce plants require about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week for optimal growth. If growing Parris Island cos lettuce during the hot summer months, they will require extra water to prevent bolting. Keeping the soil cool and moist with layers of mulch or straw will also help it grow through difficult weather. Keep in mind that like most lettuce types, slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem.

Growing your own lettuce is a quick and easy undertaking in the home garden. Thriving in the cool season temperatures of early spring and fall, homegrown lettuce is sure to add color and texture to salads and other dishes. For many growers, choosing which variety of lettuce to grow each season may seem like quite the task. With so many options, there are lettuce cultivars that suit a wide range of growing conditions. One lettuce specifically, butter lettuce, has earned its place in the garden as a long-time favorite of growers. Read on to learn more about Butter Bibb lettuce plants.

What is Butter Lettuce?

Originating in Kentucky, butter lettuce (also known simply as ‘Bibb’) is a variety of crisp lettuce that forms a loose head as it grows. Due to its characteristic tenderness, butter lettuce is frequently used to add subtle flavor to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Though it can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period of time, leaves of this lettuce are very delicate and more prone to wilt than some other lettuce cultivars.

Growing Bibb Lettuce

Growing butter or Bibb lettuce is very similar to growing any other type of lettuce, with the exception of space. While some lettuces can be grown intensively at a close spacing with success, it is best to allow at least a 12-inch (30.5 cm.) spacing between Bibb plants. This allows for the formation of the variety’s signature loose leaf head. In the early spring or fall, select a well-draining, sunny location. While the plants should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day, those living in warmer climates may need to plant lettuce in partial shade locations to protect plants from extreme heat. When growing lettuce, it is essential to consider how temperature will affect lettuce plantings. Although somewhat tolerant to cold and light frosts, ideal conditions for lettuce growth occur when temperatures are below 75 F. (24 C.). Higher temperatures may cause lettuce to become bitter and, eventually, cause the plant to bolt and produce seeds. Throughout the growing season, Butter Bibb lettuce plants require minimal care. Growers should monitor the plants for damage done by common garden pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids. Plants will require consistent watering; however, make certain that plants do not become waterlogged. With proper Butter Bibb lettuce care, plants should reach maturity in about 65 days.

For many gardeners, fresh leafy greens are a vegetable garden must-have. Nothing compares to the taste of homegrown lettuce. Though extremely easy to grow, leafy crops do have one very common issue– damage caused by slugs and snails. Read on for tips about keeping slugs and snails off lettuce plants.

Lettuce Mollusk Problems

The type of slugs and snails you may encounter in the vegetable garden vary depending on where you live. Even though slugs obviously lack shells, both slugs and snails are classified as mollusks. The mollusks use their single "foot" to move within the garden in search of plant matter.

Slugs and snails seek shelter from direct sunlight within the garden and are most active at night and when temperatures are cool. Moisture and shelter are also key components of ideal habitat for them, both of which lettuce provides. With prevention and planning, however, it is possible to grow a crop of slug-free lettuce with little extra effort.

Identifying Slug and Snail Damage

If these mollusks are eating lettuce plants in the garden the signs of their presence should be visibly apparent. In early spring, gardeners may begin to notice oddly shaped holes in the leaves of lettuce plants. The cause of this damage may often be misidentified, as some other pests feed in similar ways. However, both slugs and snails leave behind noticeable "slime" trails. These trails are caused by mucus secreted by the mollusks as they move across the plant. These trails, even when dry, usually have a silvery appearance.

Lettuce Snail and Slug Control

There are a variety of ways, both organic and chemical, in which to rid the garden of slugs and snails. Preventive measures are also a great option for those wishing to take a proactive approach. Removing anything which can be used as shelter is the first step. Avoid using items like cardboard or concrete blocks near areas where you have planted succulent veggies. Slugs are less likely to inhabit your garden when protection from bright sunlight is limited. Keeping slugs and snails off lettuce may also include the following methods of control:

Hand-Picking– While it doesn't sound very appealing, hand-picking is one of the best ways to control slugs and snails on lettuce. Hand picking on a regular basis, daily or weekly, will greatly reduce the number of pests feasting upon your lettuce.

Barriers– Copper barriers are a common deterrent for slugs and snails in the garden. Interestingly, electrical current is generated when the "mucus" of these mollusks comes into contact with copper. Creating a perimeter of copper tape within garden beds may help reduce the issue. Barriers made with diatomaceous earth are also an option. Diatomaceous earth is comprised of the fossilized remains of aquatic diatoms. Diatom skeletons are made of silica, which occurs naturally. The sharp edges of the silica draw oils and fats from the mollusks' bodies, causing them to dry out. As always, be sure to read labels carefully before use. Crushed eggshells can have the same effect.

Baits/Traps– In a pinch, many gardeners have tried setting beer traps for slugs and snails. Since they're attracted to yeast, setting a shallow plate of beer into the garden overnight often captures many of these problematic plant-eaters. You may be able to find molluscidal baits at your local gardening store. Be careful with these, however, as those labeled as metaldehyde-based baits may be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. Iron phosphate-based products are generally deemed less toxic. Always be sure to read the product label and properly educate yourself before use.

If you’re looking to liven up your salad garden, try a new green. Growing frisée lettuce is easy enough and it will add frilly texture to both your beds and your salad bowl. Frisée plant uses are typically culinary, but you can also grow these pretty lettuce heads for decoration in beds.

What are Frisée Greens?

Frisée is often referred to as a lettuce, but it is not really lettuce. It is more closely related to chicory and endive, but it can be used like lettuce or any other salad green. Also called curly endive, frisée grows in a head like other greens. The leaves are green on the outside and paler and more yellow on the inside. The leaves resemble ferns, with a lot of forking, giving it a frizzy or curly appearance. The leaves of frisée can be cooked, but they are more often used raw in salads. The tender inner leaves are best suited to eating fresh, while the other leaves can become tough. Cooking these outer leaves can soften the texture and flavor, but they can quickly be overcooked. Frisée tastes slightly bitter and peppery. Many people use it sparingly in salads rather than as the main ingredient.

How to Grow Frisée

You don’t need a lot of frisée plant information to start growing this green if you are experienced with growing lettuces and other greens. Like other greens, frisée is a cold weather vegetable, so plant it with your lettuces. Just a little bit of compost in the soil will help frisée grow well, and it can be seeded directly into the garden or started indoors. As with lettuce, you can use succession planting to get more continuous production. Provide your frisée plants with continuous water, without overwatering them. Be sure to protect them from the sun as well. Too much sun will cause the outer leaves to toughen. In fact, the traditional way to grow frisée is to blanch it. This involves covering the plants to keep them out of the sun when they are about three-quarters of the way to maturity. This keeps the leaves pale and particularly tender. Try growing frisée with peppers, broccoli, eggplants, and other taller plants to provide shade. Frisée will be ready to harvest about eight weeks from transplanting seedlings to the garden. Harvest as you would lettuce, using a knife to cut the plant at the base. Use the greens quickly, as they won’t last longer than a few days in the refrigerator.