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Mascara — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Mascara
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

50-60days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easy to moderatedifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in spring and fall. Start indoors for summer transplanting in hot climates. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1 inch per week, even moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 8-10 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green base with burgundy-red tips and edges, more intense in cool weather
Size: Individual leaves 4-6 inches, full rosette 8-10 inches
Shape: Deeply lobed oak leaf shape with ruffled edges
Flavour: Mild, sweet with subtle nutty undertones and tender texture

In the kitchen

Gourmet salads, mesclun mixes, garnishes, restaurant presentations. Excellent for adding color contrast.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles
Diseases: Downy mildew, bottom rot, lettuce mosaic virus
Resistance: Good bolt resistance in cool weather. Moderate downy mildew resistance.

Planting calendar by USDA zone

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

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that damage lettuce

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots help break up soil

RadishesQuick-growing radishes help break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space

MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

SpinachSimilar growing conditions and shallow roots make them compatible companions

GarlicNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids and slugs that commonly attack lettuce

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests

Avoid

BroccoliCompetes for nutrients and space, both being heavy feeders with similar root zones

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of lettuce

ParsleyCan attract carrot flies and competes for similar nutrients in the same soil layer

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.

Mascara

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 Mascara?

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