Dharaseeds
Lettuce Seeds - Cimmarron
Estimated delivery between February 06 and February 09.
Cimmarron Lettuce is a unique and flavorful variety known for its vibrant red, slightly frilled leaves and sweet, crisp taste. This heirloom variety stands out with its beautiful deep red outer leaves and milder flavor compared to other red-leafed lettuces. It is ideal for gardeners looking to add color and variety to their salads or other fresh dishes. Cimmarron Lettuce is fast-growing, cold-tolerant, and versatile, making it a perfect choice for both spring and fall planting.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Red Color: The rich red leaves add a striking color contrast to your salads and other dishes.
- Sweet, Mild Flavor: Offers a sweet, crisp texture with a subtle, less bitter taste than other red-leafed lettuces.
- Cold-Tolerant: Cimmarron Lettuce thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for early spring or fall planting.
- Fast-Growing: Ready for harvest in just 50–60 days, making it an excellent option for quick results.
- Versatile in the Kitchen: Perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, and garnishes.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Forms a loose, rosette-shaped head with frilly, vibrant red outer leaves and tender green inner leaves.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and mild with a crisp, tender texture.
- Growth Habit: Forms a loose, open head, making it easy to harvest individual leaves for a continual harvest.
- Size: Grows up to 6–8 inches in height, with leaves spreading about 8–10 inches across.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Temperature: Prefers cool temperatures between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C), making it ideal for spring or fall planting.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either in seed trays or directly into the garden soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart in rows 10–12 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Cimmarron Lettuce thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, particularly during the warmer months.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, ensuring that the plants receive about 1 inch of water per week.
- Water deeply to encourage strong root growth and prevent the leaves from becoming too dry or bitter.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time to promote healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.
- Fertilize again when the plants are about 4–6 inches tall to support continued leaf production.
Weeding and Mulching
- Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots.
- Use mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to manage pests.
- Diseases: To avoid fungal diseases like downy mildew, provide good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Rotate crops each year to minimize disease risks.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Cimmarron Lettuce is ready to harvest in 50–60 days, depending on growing conditions.
- Size: Harvest when the leaves are fully formed but still tender, typically when the plant reaches 6–8 inches tall.
- Method: You can harvest individual outer leaves for a continual harvest or pick the entire head when mature.
Storage
- Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or container for up to a week.
- Long-Term: Lettuce is best used fresh, but it can be frozen for longer storage. Freezing will affect its texture, so it’s best suited for cooked dishes.
Culinary Uses
- Salads: Adds a sweet, crisp texture and vibrant color to fresh salads.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers for added crunch and color.
- Garnishes: Use as a garnish to brighten up any dish with its deep red leaves.
- Tacos and Burritos: Great for adding a fresh, crisp layer to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Conclusion
Cimmarron Lettuce is a beautiful and flavorful variety that enhances any garden and meal. With its sweet, mild flavor and vibrant red leaves, it adds both visual appeal and a crisp, refreshing taste to a variety of dishes. Cold-tolerant and fast-growing, Cimmarron Lettuce is perfect for early spring or fall planting, providing a quick return on your gardening efforts. Whether used in fresh salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, Cimmarron Lettuce is sure to impress with its stunning color and delicate flavor.