Oakleaf Lettuce Seeds For Planting (Lactuca sativa)

Description

Grow a garden filled with tender and delicious Oakleaf Lettuce crops, from freshly harvested Lactuca sativa seeds. Oakleaf is a great selection to add in a variety of salads. The crops remain tender and tasty throughout heat and drought and are also quite attractive as well. The rosette shaped heads will display tightly packed, green, oak leaf shaped lobes. They grow to a mature height of roughly 8 to 12 inches tall, spreading a good 6 to 12 inches in diameter. Each crop will be ready for harvesting in roughly 30 days for baby sized leaves, and around 60 days for mature leaves.

Lettuce is an ancient heirloom that dates back to Egyptian times. Many paintings can be found on pyramid walls, depicting its use as an edible plant. The most common variety, enjoyed by many throughout the world is of course the "Iceberg" variety. However, with time, we have come to introduce many additional varieties into the markets.

Lettuce is grown as an annual crop, meaning that the plants will establish quickly from freshly harvested seeds. They will mature, producing their brightly colored leaves, later to be harvested in a single season. Once harvested (cutting the crop at the base of its stem) the plants will wither and die with the first frost. You can however collect seeds from a few of your crops if needed. Just allow the plants to bolt. (produce flowers and go to seed) This can be achieved in a few short weeks after full maturity. 

Sowing The Seed

Lettuce seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, choose large peat pots, at least 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/16" under topsoil, so that they are barely covered. Transplant entire peat pots outdoors, or direct sow when the weather has become warm. Do not sow deeper than the recommended sowing depth mentioned above, as Lettuce will require a bit of direct light to germinate properly.

Growing Conditions

Lettuce will thrive in areas of partial sun, meaning that they should receive about 6 hours of sunlight a day. Lettuce plants prefer cooler temperatures, however this variety does very well in warmer regions, with temperatures of 65F to 75F, or more. Oakleaf will flourish in loose, fertile soils, just make sure that the sowing medium is also well drained. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily to ensure that the ground is moist, but never soaked.

Germination & Growth

Lettuce will typically begin to germinate within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 8 to 12 inches tall, spreading to a good 12 inches wide. The plants can be spaced roughly 6 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 8 inches apart. This variety does particularly well in warmer temperatures and can be harvested between 30 and 60 days.

Harvesting Oakleaf Lettuce

Oakleaf Lettuce can be harvested when the leaves are small, (30 days) or when the leaves are fully matured. (60 days) Simply cut the plants 2 inches above ground level. Rinse and enjoy, or store in the fridge for later use. Keep in mind that storing your Lettuce with other fruits, such as apples and pears is not recommended, as this can cause the leaves to brown.