Is leaf-type lettuce easier to grow than the head-type lettuce?
Yes. Leaf lettuce generally matures quickly which makes it ideal for home
garden production. Most leaf-type lettuce varieties will mature in 6 to 7
weeks from seeding. Head lettuce varieties often require 10 to 11 weeks. Miller Mackenzie's farm will produce 12 different varieties of Leaf lettuce from September into July. Bibb lettuce is our #1 seller, Green Leaf is #2 with our Tri-Colour mix rounding out the top 3. Garden fresh is simply far superior store bought lettuce, taste the difference and you'll have your hands in the dirt in no time~!
Does lettuce seed have to be refrigerated before planting in the
garden?
No. Although many people believe this, refrigeration is not necessary
for germination. Lettuce should be planted in early spring. For fall planting, temperatures should average below 80
degrees F. to assure maximum germination and growth of young seedlings. We do recommend refrigeration for long term seed storage, Medical Nalgene bottles work extremely well, anything air-tight will perform just fine.
Why did my lettuce taste so bitter and start to grow tall so
quickly?
Most home garden lettuce, especially the Bibb variety, goes to seed
quickly in high temperature conditions. It quickly develops a bitter
flavor in hot weather. Buttercrunch, Saladbowl, Ruby and Romaine tolerate
these adversities more than other varieties and remain sweet and tender
longer.
Can you tell me what is causing the tips of my lettuce leaves to turn
brown and die when the rest of the leaf looks healthy?
Scorch or leaf burn around the margins of lettuce leaves is quite
common in gardens. Although in some cases a disease may be associated, this
disorder generally is the result of root injury bringing about moisture stress
at the leaf margin. Too much fertilizer, nematode injury, root pruning from
close cultivation or deficiencies of nutrients such as potassium and calcium
can cause marginal leaf burn. This problem is often associated with low soil
moisture. As the lettuce approaches maturity, which is a high water use time,
cells at the edge of the leaf may dry because the leaves use more water than
the roots can take up. Maintaining good moisture by adequate watering and
utilization of mulches can help prevent this problem. We use 360 degree Micro-Irrigation for maintaining moisture across the entire surface of our 15 gallon JackPots® while growing 4 heads of lettuce in each container. Each head is a wonder in its own right and downright delicious.
Why does my lettuce often flower before forming a head?
It may have been planted at the wrong time of year. Lettuce
prefers cooler weather to produce quality heads. Hot weather combined with long
days cause it to form seed heads or bolt. Bolting may occur without the
lettuce forming an edible head. We successfully grow it year round in Florida, but attention must be paid to the harvest window, which is usually 48 - 96 hours. Summer lettuce will hold well if refrigerated after being picked and washed, it's quite common to have delicious 10 day old lettuce in the middle of July~!
What is the best method for producing a continuous harvest of fresh lettuce?
1072 Plug Trays will hold a seedling for many weeks, it is simple to harvest and plant immediately. Direct seeding may yield two harvests per season, where having lettuce in a seed flat ready to be planted allows for 4 to 5 with ease. For our family of four, I typically plant 24 seeds in the flat every 2 weeks after I have place the first crop in six to eight 15 Gallon JackPots® with four seedlings per container. Growing lettuce has never been so easy, rewarding and delicious~!
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