Lettuce 'Darwin'

Product: Lettuce 'Darwin'

Product type: SEED (50)

Botanical name: Lactuca sativa

Darwin' lettuce is a compact, light green, oakleaf type lettuce that is particularly suited to warmer areas. It is the hardiest, most heat resistant lettuce and is slow to bolt. Loose leaf lettuces are useful to 'cut and come again', as you can just pick leaves as required. Keep the plants mulched so the leaves stay clean.

Plant type: Fast growing annual

Plant height: 25 – 30 cm

Sow when: Germinate best at 5 - 26°C soil temp; seed will fail to germinate over 30°C

Temperate: Spring, summer and autumn

Subtropical: Sow all year, except for very hot periods

Tropical: Sow all year, except for very hot periods

Germination: 4 - 10 days

Depth: 5 mm deep, requires light to germinate

Position: Full sun

Sow where: Direct into garden bed or seedling tray

Soil type: Fertile well-drained soil pH 6 - 7.5

Rows: 35 cm apart

Details: Keep moisture constant, drying out will trigger bolting; avoid watering in the heat of the day; growing under shade-cloth is beneficial in hot areas

Harvest: 28 days baby leaf; 42 days full size

Suitable for hot and humid: Suitable for hot and humid growing conditions