Lettuce
55-65days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in late summer for fall/winter harvest. Can succession plant in cool weather. Start indoors for spring crops.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent but not waterlogged
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Spacing
8-10 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep burgundy red outer leaves with bright green hearts
Size
6-8 inch heads, individual leaves 3-4 inches wide
Shape
Compact romaine heads with upright growth habit
Flavour
Sweet, crisp, and nutty with no bitterness even in cold weather

In the kitchen

Caesar salads, mixed greens, braising. Excellent for adding color contrast to salad mixes.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, slugs, cutworms, deer
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance
Excellent cold tolerance and resistance to bolting in heat

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyAugust – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJuly – October
4——April – JuneJune – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayJune – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilMay – December
9——February – MarchApril – 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 flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
CarrotsLoosens soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for same nutrients
RadishesActs as natural pest trap and breaks up soil, harvested before lettuce needs space
MarigoldsRepels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack lettuce
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can be interplanted for succession harvesting
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew
NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from lettuce
DillAttracts beneficial insects like lacewings that prey on lettuce pests

Avoid

BroccoliCompetes for nitrogen and space, can shade out lettuce with large leaves
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
FennelStrong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of most vegetables including lettuce

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

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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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Rouge d'Hiver?

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 Rouge d'Hiver suits these too.

Browse all 110 lettuce