Fact Sheets And Publications

Browse available resources.
You have questions. We have answers!
Contact UD Extension staff.
Read our latest accomplishments!
Find out how YOU can get involved!
Hands-on experiential learning for UD undergrads!
Submit a sample today.
Analyses to help manage your land.
Chat with a DE Master Gardener.
Protect your family, friends and community.
Protect your flock.
A bunch of lettuce in a planter

Leaf lettuce

 

General information

  • Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Cool season
  • Planting Window:
    • Spring: mid-March to late April
  • Fall: early August to mid-September
  • pH = 6.0-7.0
  • Planting Depth: 1/8-1/4 inch, direct sow in soil
  • MPD: 5 inches (in both directions)
  • Easy to grow from seed!

Pests and diseases

  • Slugs (beer saloon, diatomaceaous earth)
  • Rabbits - removable rabbit wire cages
  • Cutworms - toothpicks around trunk

 

Successful cultivars

  • Cultivars:
    • Black Seeded Simpson (45 days)
    • Red Salad Bowl (50 days)
    • Buttercrunch (65 days)
    • Little Gem (45 days) - compact Romaine type
    • Parris Island Romaine (55 days)
    • Giant Caesar Romaine (70 days)
  • Harvest any time up to maturity (mature at 8-12 in.)
    • Cut two inches above soil, recut repeatedly
    • You can eat the thinnings!

This publication was created by Master Gardener Rick Judd and designed by Extension Scholar Taylor Trent. Photos courtesy of Rick Judd.


UD Cooperative Extension

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.