Lettuce
55-60days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct seed in early spring or late summer. Can start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Prefers cool weather.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, even moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright green leaves with red speckles and spots
Size
6-8 inches wide, 8-10 inches tall
Shape
Loose-heading romaine with broad, rounded leaves
Flavour
Sweet, crisp, and tender with mild lettuce flavor

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, garnish, baby leaf harvest, mixed greens

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, leaf miners, slugs, snails
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bottom rot
Resistance
Good bolt resistance, moderate disease tolerance

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.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor
CarrotsLoose soil from carrot roots benefits shallow lettuce roots
RadishesQuick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that damage lettuce
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can provide mutual shade in hot weather
GarlicNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids and slugs
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients

Avoid

BroccoliLarge leaves create too much shade and compete for nutrients
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
SunflowersTall growth creates excessive shade and competes heavily for water and nutrients

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 Freckles?

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 Freckles suits these too.

Browse all 110 lettuce