Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Seeds

Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Seeds – Historic Heirloom & Open-Pollinated Variety, Non-GMO Vegetable Seeds for Planting Indoors or Outdoors in Containers or The Home Garden

Dhara Seeds, a big, trusted name in the USA seed market with a vast, high-quality selection, proudly offers Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Seeds, a heirloom variety cherished for its compact, butterhead-style heads with tender, crisp leaves. This non-GMO, open-pollinated lettuce is a favorite among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts for its mild flavor and versatility in fresh salads and sandwiches.

Characteristics and Uses of Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Plants

Lactuca sativa, commonly known as Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce, produces small, loosely formed butterhead heads with delicate, soft leaves. Dating back to the 18th century, this heirloom variety was historically grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. The tender leaves offer a smooth, buttery texture and mild sweetness, making them ideal for fresh salads, wraps, and gourmet dishes. The compact growth habit makes it perfect for container gardening and small garden spaces.

Growing Conditions for Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Plants

Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce thrives in cool weather and prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, with moderate temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. Regular soil enrichment with compost or organic fertilizers enhances its growth and flavor.

Planting Tips for Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce

Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6 to 8 inches apart. For continuous harvests, stagger plantings every two weeks. When growing indoors or in containers, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure proper drainage.

Watering Instructions and Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply in the morning to promote strong root development and reduce evaporation. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases and rot.

Growing Zones

Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. Globally, it performs well in temperate climates with moderate temperatures and adequate moisture.

Key Benefits & Uses

Heirloom & Non-GMO: A historic variety with exceptional flavor and quality.

Compact & Container-Friendly: Perfect for small gardens and indoor growing.

Tender, Mild Leaves: Ideal for fresh salads, wraps, and gourmet dishes.

Fast-Growing: Ready to harvest in as little as 50 days.

Cool-Weather Hardy: Thrives in early spring and fall plantings.

Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape

Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce is excellent for raised beds, container gardens, and hydroponic systems. Its compact size makes it suitable for urban gardening and small spaces, while its delicate texture enhances fresh, homegrown meals.

Conclusion

By choosing Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce Seeds from Dhara Seeds, gardeners can cultivate a historic heirloom, non-GMO variety beloved for its buttery texture and garden-friendly growth. Dhara Seeds remains a big, trusted name in the seed world, offering a wide range of high-quality, non-GMO varieties to gardeners everywhere.

FAQ

How long does it take for Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce to mature?

This variety typically reaches full maturity in 50 to 55 days, but baby greens can be harvested earlier.

Can Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce be grown indoors?

Yes! It thrives in containers with good drainage and sufficient light. Use a grow light or place near a sunny window for best results.

When is the best time to plant Tennis Ball Heading Lettuce?

For optimal growth, plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Avoid extreme summer heat to prevent bolting.