Lettuce
50-55days to harvest
5-8days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow or transplant seedlings. Best grown in cool weather. Space properly for optimal multi-leaf development.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Green with red-bronze edges
Size
6-8 inches diameter
Shape
Compact head that separates into 16-20 individual leaves
Flavour
Sweet, buttery, and tender with mild complexity

In the kitchen

Premium salads, restaurant presentations, efficient meal prep, gourmet applications

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, thrips, leafminers, slugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bacterial leaf spot
Resistance
Bred for uniformity and bolt resistance. Good tipburn tolerance.

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 other soft-bodied insects that damage lettuce
CarrotsTheir deep taproot doesn't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and provides soil aeration
RadishesQuick-growing companion that helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control lettuce pests
GarlicNatural fungicide properties help prevent downy mildew and other fungal diseases
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient use of garden space

Avoid

SunflowersAllelopathic compounds in roots inhibit lettuce germination and growth
BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and creates too much shade for lettuce
FennelStrong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of most garden plants 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

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 Salanova Red Butter?

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 Salanova Red Butter suits these too.

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