Lettuce
45-55days to harvest
5-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Very Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked. Plant every 2-3 weeks through summer for continuous harvest.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
0.75-1 inch per week, moderate moisture
Soil
Adaptable to most soil types, prefers well-drained
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright to medium green
Size
Individual leaves 4-6 inches, plant spreads 8-12 inches
Shape
Loose leaf with deeply curled, ruffled edges
Flavour
Mild, crisp, slightly sweet with tender texture

In the kitchen

Fresh salads, sandwiches, garnish. Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bottom rot
Resistance
Excellent heat tolerance and slow to bolt

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 while providing natural pest deterrent
CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximizes garden space
RadishesQuick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from lettuce
DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on lettuce pests

Avoid

BroccoliLarge leaves create excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
TomatoesCreate too much shade and heat stress for cool-season lettuce

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 Grand Rapids?

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 Grand Rapids suits these too.

Browse all 110 lettuce