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Growing Non-GMO Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce Vegetable Seeds

Choose a location with full sun or partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Lettuce prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-7.0. You can directly sow seeds outdoors once the soil reaches at least 50 F or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds at surface level or lightly covered up to one-quarter inch deep and space them 1-2 inches apart. Lettuce germinates best with access to light. Thin to 8-12 inches apart once sprouting with rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Or broadcast for harvesting as baby greens.

For indoor starting, use a seed-starting mix and keep the seeds in a cool area where temperatures are between 60-70 F. Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply. Germination takes 7-14 days. Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting them into your garden.

After transplanting or direct sowing, provide consistent moisture, as lettuce prefers moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Sweet Valentine lettuce is slow to bolt, but protecting it from extreme heat is important to prevent premature bolting. Consider using shade cloth during hot summer days or plant this variety in the cooler parts of spring or fall for best results.

Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce in the Vegetable Garden

Lettuce makes an excellent companion plant for carrots, radishes, and beets, as its shallow root system doesn’t compete with these deeper-rooted vegetables. Additionally, lettuce can act as a “living mulch,” shading the soil and preventing weeds. It can also be grown as a microgreen and as a border.

Harvesting Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce

You can begin harvesting the outer leaves when they are large enough to eat or wait until the head forms fully at around 55-65 days after sowing. A mature head will be tight and firm with a slight reddish blush to the green leaves. To harvest, cut the head just above the soil line using a sharp knife or scissors. Alternatively, you can remove individual leaves for a “cut and come again” approach. Ensure you harvest before the plant bolts, as the leaves can turn bitter after bolting.

About Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce Garden Seeds

Sweet Valentine is mainly grown for its slow bolting feature or reddish hue. It is a favorite for cottage kitchen gardens and more.

Lettuce needs consistent moisture to prevent stress, which can lead to bolting or bitter-tasting leaves. Mulching is highly recommended to keep the soil cool and moist, especially in warmer climates.

For best results, avoid overcrowding your plants, as good airflow is key to preventing fungal diseases like downy mildew.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"When eating romaine, remember that the darker outer leaves often contain more nutrients than the lighter inner ones, so make sure to eat the whole head to get the full benefit."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g - Wholesale - Approximately 2,100 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 480,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Sweet Valentine Romaine Lettuce seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.