Oscarde Lettuce

Start Oscarde seeds indoors in a cool location (60 to 70°F) and transplant outdoors when seedlings are 3 to 4 weeks old. Expect approximately 16,000 to 25,000 seeds per ounce depending on seed type. Pelleted seed should be used within one year of purchase and stored in a cool, dark, dry place or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to protect from humidity fluctuations.

Transplant Oscarde outdoors as soon as soil is workable in spring, as lettuce is a hardy, cool-weather crop. Space transplants 8 inches apart. Harden off seedlings gradually before planting. In areas with hot summers, wait until late summer to transplant for a fall crop, which will mature in cooler conditions ideal for this variety.

Direct sow Oscarde seeds outdoors with your earliest worked soil in spring. Sow every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the season for continuous supply. In warm climates, shift to late-summer sowings for fall harvest.

Oscarde reaches harvest readiness in 45 days from transplants, though baby leaves can be cut as early as 29 days for tender salad mix. For full-sized heads, harvest when leaves are soft and the head feels firm but not dense. You can cut individual outer leaves as needed or harvest the entire head just above soil level. Timing is flexible: harvest whenever the leaves reach your preferred size, as Oscarde's compact growth means heads remain tender even at maturity.