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Growing Organic Flame Lettuce in the Vegetable/Herb Garden

Lettuce is a cool weather crop performing just as vigorously when sown directly as when transplanted.

Direct Sowing Outdoors: The first crop can be directly sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 35 degrees F, or as soon as the soil can be worked. If the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees F, the seeds become dormant.

Sow seeds directly in rich soil and full sun, spreading them as thinly as possible in rows 1-2 inches apart; when the seedlings begin to grow, thin or transplant them. 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.

Starting Indoors: Begin indoors 4-6 weeks before final spring frost or about 6-8 weeks before the first autumn frost. Sow 2-3 seeds 1/4" deep per cell and 2-3" apart in organically composted, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Seeds germinate in 3-10 days, transplanting or thinning back to 1 plant every 9-12" as leafy heads establish. Thrives in moist soils supplemented with nitrogen-rich fertilizer and can be sown every two weeks for successive, season-long harvests.

Care Tips: Since lettuce has very shallow roots, it requires adequate moisture to stay tender and sweet; keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds. This lettuce is slow to bolt.

For companion planting benefits, grow lettuce with onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

Harvesting Organic Flame Lettuce

Harvest lettuce once the leaves have reached 3-6" long. Be sure to pick the leaves once they're grown large enough, but before they reach maturity. Harvesting mature lettuce will result in bitter-tasting plants. Lettuce retains its crisp sweetness best when harvested in the morning. Leaves of lettuce can be gathered all season until the main stem of the plant starts to grow upward (bolt), at which time the leaves will grow bitter. To harvest the entire plant when mature, cut it just above the soil surface; lettuce tastes best when fresh, but you can store harvested lettuce in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

About Organic Flame Lettuce Seeds

Wild lettuce, from which modern lettuce is derived, originated in Asia Minor. The ancient historian Herodotus records its presence on the tables of 6th-century Persian kings, and throughout the following centuries, it became a popular crop all over Europe. Columbus brought it with him to the New World, starting its spread over the North American continent. Without a doubt, lettuce now holds a place in nearly every garden on the globe. This particular variety first became available to gardeners in 1988, a product of the Harris Moran Seed Company. It is noted for its flaming red leaves, which are not only tasty but also add color to any salad bowl.

Seed Saving: As the days of summer begin to lengthen, the lettuce will bolt, or send up a stalk. To avoid selecting for negative traits, gather seeds from plants that are slow to bolt. After the stalk flowers and produces pods, the pods will turn light brown and split open. To prevent seed loss, shake the head of the stalk into a bag every day. Alternatively, some seed savers remove the entire plant when most of the pods are ready for harvest, and hang it upside down to dry in a protected location. Shake the seeds from the pods or crush the pods in your hands. The seed will have white "feathers" on it that can be removed by rubbing the seed on a fine mesh screen. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for 2-3 years.

Organic Flame Lettuce Seeds Per Package:

• 500 Mg Packet - Wholesale - Approximately 425 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 6,250 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 100,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 400,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Organic Flame Lettuce Seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.