Lettuce
21days to harvest
7-10 daysdays to germinate
Z6–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty

Sowing

Direct sow outdoors in cool seasons

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
Regular, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-draining loam with organic matter
Spacing
6-12 inches
Height
0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Red, green, and burgundy
Shape
Highly textured, ruffled leaves
Flavour
A peppery, tangy, and delicate blend combining peppery mustard notes with subtle mizuna complexity and mild tatsoi undertones.

In the kitchen

Salads, garnishes, fresh eating, mixed greens, light sautéing

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, slugs
Diseases
Lettuce mosaic virus, downy mildew, powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyJune – September
2——May – JulyJune – September
3——May – JuneMay – October
4——April – JuneMay – October
5——April – MayMay – November
6——April – MayApril – November
7——March – MayApril – November
8——March – AprilMarch – December
9——February – MarchFebruary – 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.

BasilRepels aphids and whiteflies, may improve lettuce flavor
ChivesRepels aphids and other pests while providing natural pest deterrent
MarigoldsDeters nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial insects
CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, good space utilization
RadishesQuick harvest before lettuce matures, helps break up soil
SpinachSimilar growing conditions and water needs, efficient space usage
NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, adds color to garden
GarlicNatural pest deterrent against aphids and slugs

Avoid

FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit lettuce growth and development
BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients, may shade delicate lettuce
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds 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

Where to buy seed and equipment

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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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Cheap Frills Mix?

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 Cheap Frills Mix suits these too.

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