Lettuce
35days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z3–8USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks before spring frost or 8-10 weeks before fall frost; seeds need light, press lightly on soil surface

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil
Well-draining loam enriched with compost, pH 6.0-7.0
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
3-4 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep green with white midribs
Shape
Deeply cut, narrow, elongated leaves with subtle spikes along margins
Flavour
Tender, mildly bitter with delicate, complex flavor—more assertive than iceberg, less intense than radicchio; improves with cool temperatures

In the kitchen

Mixed salads, mesclun blends, wilted greens, salad garnish, composed plates

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles
Diseases
Lettuce mosaic virus, downy mildew, Botrytis (gray mold)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

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

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking up minimal space
CarrotsLoosens soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for surface nutrients
RadishesBreaks up compacted soil and deters flea beetles that can damage lettuce
MarigoldsRepels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
GarlicNatural pest deterrent against aphids and slugs that commonly attack lettuce
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can provide mutual shade in hot weather
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and adds beneficial insects to the garden
DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that control aphids on lettuce

Avoid

BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nitrogen and can shade out lettuce
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Walnut treesProduces juglone which is toxic to lettuce and causes wilting

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

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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Catalogna Special?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other lettuce with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Catalogna Special suits these too.

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