Red Romaine Lettuce

Start seeds indoors at 60, 70 degrees Fahrenheit 4, 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds shallowly and keep soil moist until germination, which typically occurs in 7, 10 days. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop true leaves.

Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7, 10 days. Transplant outdoors once soil is workable and daytime temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Space plants 4 inches apart in garden beds or containers. Since this variety is frost-tolerant, you can transplant earlier than many vegetables.

Direct sow seeds in the garden in spring as soon as soil is workable, or again in late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds shallowly in moist soil and thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they develop true leaves.

Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches usable size, typically 40, 49 days after sowing. You can harvest individual outer leaves as needed, allowing the center to continue growing, or cut the entire head at the base. The leaf color deepens from green to mahogany and purple as the plant matures; the most striking appearance comes when leaves have fully developed their red-purple tones. Harvest in the early morning when leaves are crisp and cool. This variety holds well under transport and storage, making it excellent for multiple harvests or pre-market preparation.