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Lettuce · Lactuca sativa 'Grand Rapids'

Loose Leaf Green Grand Rapids

Loose Leaf Green Grand Rapids is a heirloom lettuce. Germination takes 7-14 days and fruit ripens from about day 45-55. Skin runs to bright green with light green ribs. Water need is 1 inch per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Lettuce
45-55days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Can start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
6-8 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright green with light green ribs
Size
Individual leaves 4-6 inches long
Shape
Loose, frilly leaves with deeply cut edges
Flavour
Mild, sweet, and crisp with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Salads, sandwiches, wraps, garnish. Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, rabbits
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot
Resistance
Good resistance to tipburn and bolting in moderate heat

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

9 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 2 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack lettuce
MarigoldsDeters aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots help break up soil
RadishesFast-growing, helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient use of garden space
GarlicNatural pest deterrent against aphids and other insects that damage lettuce
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control lettuce pests
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and has similar water requirements without competing for space

Avoid

BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and creates too much shade for lettuce
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce growth and tall plants create excessive shade

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

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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.

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