Salad Bowl Red Lettuce

Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost in seed-starting mix kept at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Transplant seedlings to larger containers once they develop true leaves, maintaining cool growing conditions to prevent early bolting.

Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors. Transplant when soil can be worked in spring and soil temperatures are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 4 inches apart with 18 inches between rows. The frost-tolerant nature allows earlier spring planting than many vegetables.

Direct sow seeds in prepared beds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in late summer for fall harvest. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7 to 10 days at 60 to 70 degrees.

Begin harvesting outer leaves when the plant reaches 4 to 6 inches tall, approximately 40 to 49 days after sowing. Pinch off outer leaves at the base, allowing the center to continue developing for successive harvests. The plant maintains productivity through repeated harvesting. For whole-plant harvest, cut just above soil level in the morning when leaves are crisp and turgid. The leaves keep remarkably well, maintaining quality longer than many other loose-leaf varieties.