Lettuce Seeds (Organic) - Salad Bowl - Red

Organic Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is a vibrant, nutrient-packed variety that offers a perfect combination of beauty and taste. Known for its loose, frilled leaves and striking red color, this heirloom lettuce variety is ideal for organic gardeners who seek both sustainability and flavor. Its tender texture and mild, sweet flavor make it a favorite for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The fast-growing, cold-hardy nature of this lettuce makes it an excellent choice for both early spring and fall planting.

Key Benefits

• Organically Grown: 100% organic seeds, ideal for gardeners who prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
• Vibrant Red Color: Adds an eye-catching splash of red to salads and dishes, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Delicate, sweet taste with a soft texture that is perfect for raw consumption.
• Cold-Hardy: Thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for early spring or fall harvests.
• Quick-Growing: Produces harvest-ready leaves in just 45–55 days, providing an early return on your gardening efforts.
• High Yield: Known for its generous harvest, making it ideal for home gardeners or small-scale organic growers.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Loose, frilled leaves with vibrant red tips and a green inner heart. The leaves grow in a spread-out rosette, offering a generous yield.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet flavor with no bitterness, perfect for fresh salads and sandwiches.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a loose, open rosette formation with tender, soft leaves that are easy to harvest.
• Size: Typically reaches 8–12 inches in diameter, offering a compact yet abundant harvest.

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: Ideal growing conditions are between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C), as Salad Bowl Red Lettuce thrives in cool temperatures.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either in seed trays or directly into the garden soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but Salad Bowl Lettuce can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to maintain the tender texture of the leaves.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Fertilization

• Use a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting time to promote strong, healthy growth.
• Apply additional fertilizer when plants are about 4–6 inches tall for continued development of tender leaves.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weed regularly around the lettuce, being careful not to disturb its shallow roots.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to protect the plants.
• Diseases: Lettuce is prone to fungal diseases like downy mildew and damping-off. Practice crop rotation, space plants well for air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is typically ready for harvest in 45–55 days.
• Size: Harvest when the leaves are tender and the plant has formed a loose rosette, about 8–12 inches in diameter.
• Method: You can harvest outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head when it reaches the desired size.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator, ideally in a perforated plastic bag or container for up to a week.
• Long-Term: Lettuce is best used fresh but can be frozen if necessary. However, freezing will change the texture, so it’s better suited for use in cooked dishes.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color to fresh salads, making it an excellent base or garnish.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a fresh, crunchy layer in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
• Garnishes: Perfect as a decorative and flavorful garnish for a variety of dishes.
• Smoothies: Blend Salad Bowl Red Lettuce into smoothies for a refreshing, healthy boost.

Conclusion

Organic Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is a wonderful addition to any organic garden. With its vibrant red leaves, mild sweet flavor, and fast-growing nature, it is perfect for gardeners who value both sustainability and taste. Whether you’re making fresh salads, sandwiches, or smoothies, this lettuce will enhance the flavor and color of any dish. Its cold-hardiness and generous yield make it ideal for both home gardeners and small-scale organic growers.