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Black Summer — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Black Summer
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

45days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z5–9USDA zones

Easydifficulty

F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic pH
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Height: 3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green
Size: 10-12"
Shape: Oval-shaped leaves on broad, flat petioles
Flavour: Tender, crisp green lettuce with mild, slightly sweet flavor and robust taste from dark foliage

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, lettuce wraps, mixed greens, sandwich greens, salad bowls

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles, armyworms
Diseases: Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, septoria leaf spot, bottom rot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	May – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	March – December
11	—	—	January – February	February – December
12	—	—	January – February	February – December
13	—	—	January – February	February – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack lettuce

CarrotsDeep taproots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, helps break up soil

RadishesQuick-growing, helps break up compacted soil and can be intercropped

MarigoldsNatural pest deterrent, repels nematodes and various garden pests

GarlicStrong scent deters aphids, slugs, and other lettuce pests

SpinachSimilar growing requirements, can be succession planted together

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on lettuce pests

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from lettuce

Avoid

BroccoliLarge leaves create too much shade and compete for nutrients

SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy

Walnut TreesProduce juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to lettuce and many other plants

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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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Black Summer

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Black Summer?

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