Lettuce
- Dark Red Lollo Rossa (Lactuca sativa)
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate; consistent moisture for tender leaves
Height: 6 to 10 inches tall, 8 to 12 inches wide
Bloom Time/Harvest Time: Harvest outer leaves in 30 to 45 days; full head in 50 to 60 days
Description:
Dark Red Lollo Rossa is a looseleaf lettuce with deeply frilled, curly leaves and intense burgundy coloration. Crisp, mildly sweet, and highly ornamental, it performs well in cool seasons and is ideal for baby leaf harvest or full head production.
Planting Tips:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
Space 8 to 12 inches apart for full heads.
Provide afternoon shade in warm Texas conditions.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to extend production.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Late Winter
Nativity to Texas: No
- Green Sweet Crisp Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Green Sweet Crisp')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 10-14 inches
Harvest Time: 50-60 days
Description: Green Sweet Crisp Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Green Sweet Crisp') is a large-headed lettuce variety with crunchy, sweet leaves. It is resistant to bolting and bitterness, making it a reliable choice for Texas gardens. This lettuce is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for salads, wraps, and burgers. Its robust growth and mild flavor appeal to both home gardeners and chefs alike.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Spring
Nativity to Texas: No
- Muir Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Muir')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 10-14 inches
Harvest Time: 50-60 days
Description: Muir Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Muir') is a heat-tolerant variety with light green, crinkled leaves that offer a crisp texture and mild flavor. It is resistant to bolting, making it suitable for Texas gardens where temperatures can fluctuate. Muir Lettuce is perfect for salads and sandwiches, providing home gardeners with fresh, nutritious greens throughout the growing season.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Spring
Nativity to Texas: No
- Tropicana Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Tropicana')
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate
Height: 10-14 inches
Harvest Time: 50-60 days
Description: Tropicana Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Tropicana') is a vibrant red leaf lettuce with frilled edges and a mild, sweet flavor. Its attractive color and texture make it a popular choice for salads and garnishes. Tropicana Lettuce is easy to grow and performs well in Texas gardens, offering home gardeners a reliable source of fresh, nutritious greens throughout the growing season.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Spring
Nativity to Texas: No
- Little Gem Bibb Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate; consistent moisture
Height: 6–8 inches
Harvest Time: 45–55 days from transplant
Description:
Little Gem Bibb Lettuce is a compact, romaine-type lettuce with soft, buttery inner leaves and crisp outer texture. Heads are small but dense, with a mildly sweet flavor and excellent crunch. Ideal for salads, wraps, and individual servings, this variety is prized for uniform growth and strong performance in cooler seasons.
Planting Tips:
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Plant in loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
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Keep soil evenly moist to prevent bitterness.
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Space plants 6–8 inches apart for full head formation.
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Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves as needed.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring
Nativity to Texas: No
- Jericho Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirements: Moderate; consistent moisture
Height: 10–14 inches
Harvest Time: 55–65 days from transplant
Description:
Jericho Lettuce is a heat-tolerant romaine variety bred for warm climates. It forms tall, dense heads with crisp ribs and sweet, mild flavor. Slower to bolt than many romaines, it performs reliably in Texas fall and early spring plantings.
Planting Tips:
Plant in loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Keep soil evenly moist to maintain sweetness and prevent bitterness.
Space plants 8–12 inches apart for full head development.
Harvest when heads are firm and well-formed.
Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Fall or Early Spring
Nativity to Texas: No