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Lettuce · Lactuca sativa 'Australian Yellow Leaf'

Australian Yellow Leaf

Australian Yellow Leaf is a heirloom lettuce. Germination takes 7-12 days and fruit ripens from about day 50-60. Skin runs to distinctive golden-yellow to chartreuse. Water need is 1 inch per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Lettuce
50-60days to harvest
7-12days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct seed in early spring or late summer. Can start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Succession plant for continuous harvest.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
10-12 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season with good heat tolerance

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Distinctive golden-yellow to chartreuse
Size
Individual leaves 4-6 inches, plant spread 10-12 inches
Shape
Loose-leaf with broad, slightly savoyed leaves
Flavour
Mild, sweet, and tender with delicate texture

In the kitchen

Specialty salads, garnish, farmers market sales, unique color contrasts

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, slugs, flea beetles
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus
Resistance
Good heat tolerance, moderate disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyJuly – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJune – October
4——April – JuneJune – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayMay – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilApril – December
9——February – MarchMarch – December
10——January – MarchMarch – December
11——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
12——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
13——January – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies, may improve lettuce flavor
ChivesDeters aphids and other soft-bodied insects that damage lettuce
CarrotsDeep roots complement shallow lettuce roots, minimal competition
RadishesQuick-growing, helps loosen soil and can be harvested before lettuce matures
MarigoldsRepels nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial insects
SpinachSimilar growing requirements, good succession planting companion
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids, attracts beneficial predatory insects
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and provides light shade in hot weather

Avoid

SunflowersCreates too much shade and competes heavily for nutrients and water
FennelInhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that stunt lettuce development
BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and creates excessive shade

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
0.742
Fat (g)
0.0738
Carbohydrate (g)
3.37
Vitamin K (µg)
20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.0401
Calcium (mg)
14.2
Iron (mg)
0.0332
Magnesium (mg)
6.31
Phosphorus (mg)
19.2
Potassium (mg)
139
Zinc (mg)
0.173
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Australian Yellow Leaf suits these too.

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