Lettuce
45-55days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep from early spring through summer. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous color.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green centers with deep red-burgundy leaf edges
Size
8-10 inch spread
Shape
Loose-leaf with deeply frilled, oak-like leaves
Flavour
Mild, sweet flavor with tender texture and no bitterness

In the kitchen

Colorful salad mixes, garnish, mesclun blends. Adds visual drama to any dish.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, leafminers
Diseases
Downy mildew, tipburn, lettuce drop in wet conditions
Resistance
Excellent heat tolerance and bolt resistance, moderate disease resistance

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 growth and flavor
CarrotsLoose soil from carrot roots helps lettuce root development
RadishesFast-growing radishes break up soil and don't compete for space
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can be succession planted together
GarlicDeters aphids, slugs, and other pests that damage lettuce
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients

Avoid

BroccoliCompetes for similar nutrients and can shade out lettuce
SunflowersAllelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy

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 Red Sails?

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 Red Sails suits these too.

Browse all 110 lettuce