Seed Count: Approx. 500 seeds

Days to Maturity: 30-60 Days

Description: Oakleaf Lettuce is one of those timeless heirloom varieties that's hard to get tired of growing. Its flavorful, frilly, light green, tender leaves, are super attractive, and perform exceptionally well in cool weather. They even stay relatively non-bitter and delicious, even during the summer heat, making the Oakleaf one of my go to varieties to grow for my salad mixes here is South Florida. Plus, you'll be able to harvest baby greens from this variety about 30 days after planting.

How To Grow

Sowing: Lettuces grow best in cool weather, so the first crop can be direct sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 35 degrees. Direct sow the seed in rich soil and full sun, spreading them as thinly as possible in rows 1-2' apart. When the seedlings begin to grow, thin them to 8-12" apart. Succession crops can be grown for fresh lettuce all season in areas with cool summers or warm winters; this is accomplished by planting a new crop every 2 weeks.

Growing: Since lettuce has very shallow roots, it needs adequate moisture in order to stay tender and sweet, so keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds. For companion planting benefits, grow lettuce with onions, cucumbers, or carrots. The crisper the lettuce head, the less heat tolerant they will be. However, lettuces can tolerate cold, but should be protected from the wind. If leaves begin to wilt, plants need more water. Hand weed as necessary, but be careful with their shallow roots.

Harvesting: Lettuce retains its crisp sweetness when harvested early in the morning. Most types of lettuce will produce a second or even third crop after being cut, if the weather stays cool. Leaves can be gathered all season until the main stem of the plant starts to grow, at which time the leaves will grow bitter. To harvest the entire plant, cut it right above the surface of the soil. Lettuce will bolt when weather is too hot. To avoid selecting negative traits, gather seed from the plants that are slow to bolt. After the stalk flowers and produces pods, the pods will turn light brown and split open; in order to prevent seed loss, shake the head of the stalk into a bag every day. Store for up to 3 years.