Super Red Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an heirloom variety prized for its striking deep red leaves and crisp, tender texture. This eye-catching lettuce not only adds color to your garden but also delivers a rich, slightly sweet flavor that enhances salads and other fresh dishes. Known for its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, Super Red Romaine is as nutritious as it is beautiful.
This robust variety grows upright, forming tall, dense heads that reach up to 10-12 inches in height. Super Red Romaine is adaptable to a wide range of climates and is particularly well-suited to cooler growing conditions, making it perfect for spring and fall harvests. Its vibrant color intensifies with exposure to cooler temperatures, adding to its visual appeal.
DIRECTIONS *
Common Names: Super Red Romaine Lettuce
Latin Name: Lactuca sativa
Type: Leafy Green
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Stratification: Not required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
Height: 10-12 inches
Spread: 8-10 inches
Color: Deep red leaves
Bloom Season: N/A (grown for leaves, not flowers)
Companion Plants: Suitable companions include carrots, radishes, and strawberries.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Climate Adaptability: Prefers cooler temperatures and is adaptable to a wide range of climates; ideal for spring and fall growing seasons.
~ Sowing ~
When to Start Inside: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
When to Start Outside: Direct sow seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop.
Sowing Instructions: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce prefers evenly moist soil to avoid bolting and maintain tender leaves.
Light and Temperature: Super Red Romaine prefers cooler temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates, to prevent bolting.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days.
~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~
Timing: If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 4-6 true leaves and after the risk of frost has passed.
Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. In warmer climates, partial shade can help prevent bolting.
Spacing: Space plants 8-10 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
Transplanting: Gently transplant seedlings into the prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered and the plant is stable. Water well after planting.
~ Growing ~
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Fertilizing: Lettuce benefits from a balanced fertilizer or compost worked into the soil before planting. A light side-dressing of compost or fertilizer can be applied every few weeks during the growing season.
Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Maintenance: Harvest leaves as needed by cutting them off at the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and extend the harvest period.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest: Super Red Romaine can be harvested when the leaves are crisp and fully colored, typically 55-65 days after sowing.
How to Harvest: Cut the entire head off at the base or pick outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
Drying and Storing: Lettuce is best used fresh. For short-term storage, keep harvested leaves in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container.
~ Seed Saving ~
Allow one or two plants to bolt and produce seeds. Once the flower heads have dried, collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators: N/A (Lettuce is grown for its leaves, not flowers)
Origin: Lettuce is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its edible leaves.
Nomenclature: The genus name "Lactuca" comes from the Latin word for milk, referring to the milky sap produced by the plant. The species name "sativa" means "cultivated."
History: Romaine lettuce varieties have been cultivated for centuries and are prized for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Super Red Romaine is a striking heirloom variety known for its vibrant color and nutritional benefits.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic and safe for consumption by humans and pets.
Climate Adaptability: Prefers cooler temperatures and can be grown in spring and fall in most regions. In warmer climates, it may require partial shade and more frequent watering to prevent bolting.
