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Canasta — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Canasta
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

65-75days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easy to moderatedifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, or start indoors and transplant. Fall plantings often produce the best quality heads.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 8-10 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Medium to dark green with pale green to white ribs and heart
Size: 10-12 inches tall, 6-8 inches wide at base
Shape: Upright, cylindrical romaine head with thick, sturdy leaves
Flavour: Sweet, crisp, and crunchy with no bitterness and excellent texture

In the kitchen

Caesar salads, grilled romaine, wraps, lettuce boats, any recipe requiring sturdy lettuce structure.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, cabbage loopers
Diseases: Downy mildew, bottom rot, tip burn, lettuce drop
Resistance: Excellent bolt resistance and tip burn tolerance. Good downy mildew resistance.

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	August – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	July – October
4	—	—	April – June	July – October
5	—	—	April – May	June – November
6	—	—	April – May	June – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	May – December
9	—	—	February – March	April – 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, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other pests while improving lettuce flavor

CarrotsLoose deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximizes space usage

RadishesQuick-growing companion that breaks up soil and deters flea beetles

MarigoldsRepels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects naturally

GarlicStrong scent deters slugs, snails, and aphids that commonly attack lettuce

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and helps shade soil to retain moisture

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that control aphids

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away

Avoid

BroccoliLarge leaves create excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients

ParsleyCan attract carrot flies and competes for similar soil nutrients

SunflowersAllelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth

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

← PreviousMascara Next →Red Romaine

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.

Canasta

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 Canasta?

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