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Great Lakes — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Great Lakes
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

85-90days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in early spring or late summer. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting for spring crops.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam with good organic content
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Light to medium green outer leaves, pale yellow-green interior
Size: 6-8 inch diameter heads, 1-2 lbs
Shape: Dense, round, tightly packed crisphead
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and very crisp with minimal bitterness

In the kitchen

Salads, sandwiches, wraps, coleslaw. Excellent for shredding and chopping.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, cutworms, flea beetles
Diseases: Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot, tip burn
Resistance: Good resistance to tip burn, moderate resistance to downy mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	August – September
2	—	—	May – July	August – September
3	—	—	May – June	July – October
4	—	—	April – June	July – October
5	—	—	April – May	July – November
6	—	—	April – May	June – November
7	—	—	March – May	June – November
8	—	—	March – April	May – December
9	—	—	February – March	April – December
10	—	—	January – March	April – December
11	—	—	January – February	March – December
12	—	—	January – February	March – December
13	—	—	January – February	March – 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, helps aerate soil

RadishesQuick-growing companions that help break up soil and deter root maggots

MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and helps maximize space in cool-season gardens

DillAttracts beneficial insects and may improve lettuce growth when young

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce

Avoid

BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade lettuce excessively

SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

ParsleyCan stunt lettuce growth when planted too closely due to root competition

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

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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.

Great Lakes

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 Great Lakes?

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