Red romaine lettuce is a beautiful and delicious variety, perfect for both salads and ornamental gardens. The tall heads feature deep burgundy outer leaves that turn green at the heart, offering a superb visual contrast. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, crisp texture make it an ideal lettuce for fresh consumption. Excellent for successive sowings throughout the season, this variety tolerates heat well and bolts slowly, extending the harvest period.

Where can red romaine lettuce be grown?

It is best suited for zones 3 to 9 and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering. It is suitable for raised beds, garden rows, and container cultivation.

History and traditional uses

Romaine lettuce has been cultivated for thousands of years and was a staple in ancient Mediterranean diets. This red variety was developed for both its flavor and decorative appeal, offering gardeners a plant that is both beautiful and useful. Traditionally eaten fresh in salads, romaine is also sometimes grilled or sautéed in Mediterranean cuisine.

Information by zone in Canada

Zones 8–9 : Direct sow in early spring and again in late summer for fall harvests.
Zones 5–7 : Sow outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring; use partial shade during hot periods.
Zones 3–4 : Sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost; transplant outdoors after heavy frosts.

How to grow and harvest red romaine lettuce

Planting : Sow seeds 6 mm (¼ in) deep, spacing them 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) apart.
Watering : Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in hot weather.
Harvesting : Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head at the base.
Maintenance : Use mulch to retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Seed saving tips for future supply

Selecting the best plants : Choose healthy, vigorous plants that are slow to bolt.
Allowing to bolt : Let selected plants flower and produce seeds.
Harvesting seeds : Pick seed heads when they are dry and mature.
Cleaning and storage : Separate the seeds, let them dry completely, and store them in a cool, dark place.

Certified Organic by
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)