Description

RED VELVET LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa) is a dramatic presentation heirloom. The dark red - almost black leaves are solid and with a velvety sheen. The backs are green tinged with maroon. Just imagine the gorgeous salads you make make with this! Slow to bolt, 6-8" tall, 10-12" wide, pleasant chewy texture. Looseleaf. 55 days. 100 seeds.  

GROWING TIPS: Lettuces are my absolute favorite - I dedicate a lot of space to them in my garden because I like variety and they can be really beautiful kissed by the sun. Direct sow in early spring and late summer. The more space each lettuce has to grow the larger it becomes. If you are sowing for quick greens, don't bother to thin - just use your scissors to clips what you need for dinner as it will continue to grow. Lettuces love cool (not cold) weather and respond to well-prepared soil and regular weeding and watering. Relatively pest-free, with the exception of slugs (easily combatted with a barrier of ashes or copper wire) and furry invaders (chicken wire cloches work best there).