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Red Velvet — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Red Velvet
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

45-55days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in spring and fall. Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep burgundy-red with green undertones, ruffled edges
Size: Individual leaves 4-6 inches, plants spread 10-12 inches
Shape: Loose, deeply ruffled and frilled leaves in rosette formation
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and tender with no bitterness, slight mineral notes

In the kitchen

Gourmet salad mixes, garnish, mesclun, edible landscaping, restaurant presentations.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles
Diseases: Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance: Good heat tolerance, slow to bolt, moderate disease 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 improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent

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

RadishesFast-growing radishes can be harvested before lettuce needs space, and they help loosen soil

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and other pests 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

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can be interplanted for efficient space usage

GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent downy mildew and other fungal diseases in lettuce

Avoid

BroccoliLarge leaves create excessive shade and compete heavily for nutrients needed by lettuce

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce germination and growth

SunflowersTall growth creates too much shade and roots release chemicals that can stunt lettuce growth

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.

Red Velvet

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 Red Velvet?

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