Lettuce

Organic Parris Island Cos Lettuce is a versatile and crisp variety that thrives in organic gardens. Known for its tall, upright growth and crunchy texture, this Romaine-style lettuce is perfect for adding a fresh, hearty element to your salads and sandwiches. With its rich, sweet flavor and crisp leaves, Parris Island Cos offers a refreshing taste and is highly prized for both home gardeners and commercial growers. This variety is easy to grow and ideal for cool-season gardening.

Key Benefits

• Organically Grown: 100% organic seeds, perfect for gardeners focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
• Crisp Texture: Provides a crunchy texture that adds freshness and crunch to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Offers a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor without the bitterness often found in other lettuce varieties.
• Cold-Hardy: Thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall planting.
• High Yield: Known for its strong, upright growth and large, full heads that provide a generous harvest.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, upright plants with long, dark green leaves that form dense, cylindrical heads.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet flavor with a refreshing crunch that makes it ideal for raw consumption.
• Growth Habit: Parris Island Cos grows in a tall, columnar shape, forming dense heads that stand upright, similar to Romaine lettuce.
• Size: Typically reaches 10–12 inches in height, with leaves extending up to 18 inches long.

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: Parris Island Cos thrives in cool temperatures between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C), ideal for cooler seasons.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either in seed trays or directly into prepared garden soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but Parris Island Cos Lettuce can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to ensure the lettuce remains tender and crisp.
• Water about 1 inch per week, increasing during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting time to support healthy growth and robust leaf development.
• Fertilize again when plants are about 4–6 inches tall to encourage continued growth and a full head.

Weeding and Mulching

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

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic methods like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or slug traps to control pests.
• Diseases: Lettuce can be prone to fungal diseases like downy mildew. Avoid overhead watering, provide adequate spacing for good air circulation, and practice crop rotation to prevent disease.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Parris Island Cos Lettuce is ready to harvest in 60–75 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when the head is full and tightly formed, typically around 10–12 inches tall.
• Method: Cut the head at the base or harvest outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.

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. Keep in mind that freezing may affect texture, so it’s best suited for cooked dishes.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to salads, perfect as a base or garnish.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a fresh, hearty layer in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for extra crunch.
• Tacos and Burritos: Add to tacos or burritos for a fresh, crunchy texture that complements a variety of fillings.
• Smoothies: Blend Parris Island Cos Lettuce into smoothies for a healthy, hydrating ingredient.

Conclusion

Organic Parris Island Cos Lettuce is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a crisp, refreshing lettuce variety with mild flavor and a hearty texture. Its cold-hardiness, high yield, and adaptability to both cool and mild climates make it a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden. Whether you're adding it to fresh salads, sandwiches, or wraps, this lettuce will enhance your dishes with its crunchy texture and sweet, mild flavor. Perfect for organic gardeners, Parris Island Cos is easy to grow and produces abundant, high-quality lettuce heads.

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.

Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is a vibrant, nutrient-packed variety known for its loose, frilled leaves and rich, red color. This heirloom variety is a favorite in mixed salads, offering a tender texture and mildly sweet flavor. The striking red leaves make it a standout addition to any garden or salad mix. Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is easy to grow and adapts well to a variety of growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Beautiful Red Color: Adds a pop of color to salads and other dishes, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
• Tender, Mild Flavor: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender texture, perfect for fresh salads.
• Fast-Growing: Grows quickly, providing a harvest in as little as 45–55 days.
• Cold-Hardy: Thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for early spring or fall planting.
• High Yield: Known for producing large, leafy harvests, making it a great choice for home gardeners and small-scale growers.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Loose, frilled leaves with a vibrant red color on the outer edges and a green interior.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet flavor that is not too bitter, with a tender texture that is perfect for salads.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a loose, rosette form with leaves that spread outward, giving it an attractive, open shape.
• Size: Typically reaches 8–12 inches in diameter, with a bushy, leaf-filled appearance.

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

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either in seed trays or directly into the garden.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 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 consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to maintain the tender texture of the leaves.
• Water about 1 inch per week, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting time to support healthy growth.
• Side-dress with additional fertilizer when plants are 4–6 inches tall to encourage continued leaf development.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the lettuce, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for 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 susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew and damping-off. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

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

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container with ventilation for up to a week.
• Long-Term: Lettuce is best used fresh but can be frozen for longer storage. Keep in mind that freezing can affect texture, so it’s best used in cooked dishes.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Adds a crunchy, mild, and slightly sweet flavor to fresh salads. The vibrant red color makes for an eye-catching dish.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a fresh, crunchy layer in sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
• Garnishes: Its beautiful red edges make it a perfect garnish for various dishes, adding both color and flavor.
• Smoothies: Blend Salad Bowl Red Lettuce into smoothies for a refreshing, nutrient-rich ingredient.

Conclusion

Salad Bowl Red Lettuce is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add vibrant color and tender, mild flavor to their gardens. It is quick-growing, cold-hardy, and produces an abundant harvest of nutritious leaves that are perfect for fresh salads, wraps, and garnishes. Its beauty, flavor, and ease of cultivation make it a must-have for any home gardener looking to grow their own lettuce. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, Salad Bowl Red Lettuce will be a delightful and rewarding addition to your vegetable patch.

Bibb Lettuce, also known as Butterhead, is a tender, soft-leaved variety that produces small, compact heads with a sweet, buttery flavor. Its delicate texture and mild taste make it a favorite for salads and sandwiches. Bibb Lettuce is an excellent choice for home gardeners who want a high-quality, easy-to-grow lettuce that thrives in cooler weather. This variety is perfect for those who enjoy fresh, crisp greens without the bitterness sometimes found in other types of lettuce.

Key Benefits

• Delicate, Buttery Flavor: Known for its mild, sweet taste with a smooth, buttery texture that enhances a variety of dishes.
• Tender Leaves: Offers soft, tender leaves that are ideal for raw consumption, providing a light crunch without being tough or bitter.
• Compact Heads: Forms small, compact rosettes that are easy to harvest and store, making it perfect for small spaces or container gardening.
• Cold-Hardy: Prefers cool weather and is ideal for early spring or fall plantings, thriving in temperatures between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).
• Quick Growing: Bibb Lettuce matures in as little as 50–60 days, providing a rapid, satisfying harvest.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, round heads with soft, light green to yellow-green leaves that form a dense, tightly packed rosette.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, buttery flavor that is sweet and non-bitter, perfect for salads and garnishes.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a low, compact rosette, with soft, tender outer leaves and tightly packed, tender inner leaves.
• Size: Typically grows to 6–8 inches in diameter, with heads that are small and easy to manage.

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: Bibb Lettuce grows best in cool temperatures, making it ideal for early spring or fall plantings, with optimal growing conditions between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly into the garden soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 8–10 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but Bibb Lettuce can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to prevent bitterness and to maintain the tender texture of the leaves.
• Provide about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting time to ensure proper growth.
• Side-dress with additional fertilizer when plants are 4–6 inches tall for continued growth.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the lettuce to reduce competition for nutrients, being careful not to disturb the 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. Organic control methods like diatomaceous earth or neem oil can help protect the plants.
• Diseases: Lettuce is susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew and damping-off. To prevent disease, practice crop rotation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Bibb Lettuce typically reaches maturity in 50–60 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when the head is firm, dense, and compact, typically around 6–8 inches in diameter.
• Method: Use a sharp knife to cut the lettuce head at the base, removing it from the plant.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator, ideally in a plastic bag or container with ventilation. It should stay fresh for about a week.
• Long-Term: While lettuce is best used fresh, Bibb Lettuce can be frozen, though the texture may change. It is better suited for use in cooked dishes if frozen.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Bibb Lettuce is perfect for fresh salads, offering a sweet and buttery flavor with a tender, delicate texture.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Its soft leaves are ideal for adding to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, providing a refreshing crunch.
• Garnishes: Use Bibb Lettuce as a garnish on plates or as a bed for other dishes, as it adds color and mild flavor without overpowering.
• Smoothies: Blend Bibb Lettuce into smoothies for a mild, nutrient-packed addition.

Conclusion

Bibb Lettuce is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a high-quality, tender lettuce with a mild, sweet flavor. It grows quickly, thrives in cool weather, and produces compact, dense heads that are perfect for fresh use. Whether used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, Bibb Lettuce’s buttery texture and mild taste make it a versatile and enjoyable addition to your garden.

Iceberg Lettuce is a crisp, refreshing variety known for its light, crunchy texture and mild flavor. This classic lettuce is a staple in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, offering a cool, refreshing crunch. It is easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of climates, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Iceberg Lettuce produces tightly packed heads with vibrant, pale green leaves that form dense, round rosettes.

Key Benefits

• Crisp, Refreshing Texture: Offers a crunchy texture that adds a satisfying crunch to salads and sandwiches.
• Mild Flavor: Known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of dressings and toppings.
• Compact, Tight Heads: Forms dense, tightly packed heads that are easy to harvest and store.
• Cold-Hardy: Iceberg Lettuce thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for early spring or fall harvests.
• Quick Growing: Known for fast-growing, producing harvestable heads in as little as 70–80 days.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, rounded heads of lettuce with pale green, crisp leaves that form tight rosettes.
• Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet flavor with a refreshing, crunchy texture.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a compact rosette, forming a solid, dense head of leaves that are perfect for harvesting.
• Size: Typically grows to 8–12 inches in diameter, forming tightly packed heads with thick, crunchy leaves.

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: Iceberg Lettuce thrives in cooler temperatures, with optimal growing conditions between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep 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 optimal growth and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for lettuce, but it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods, to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter or tough.
• Provide about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer at planting time to support healthy leaf development.
• For ongoing growth, side-dress with additional organic fertilizer when the plants are 4–6 inches tall.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the lettuce to prevent competition for nutrients, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to protect your lettuce.
• Diseases: Lettuce can be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as downy mildew and damping-off. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risks.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Iceberg Lettuce typically reaches maturity in 70–80 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when the head has formed a firm, dense rosette and reaches about 8–12 inches in diameter.
• Method: Use a sharp knife to cut the lettuce head at the base, removing it cleanly from the plant.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator, ideally in a plastic bag or container with ventilation, for up to a week.
• Long-Term: For longer storage, consider freezing lettuce, though it may lose its crisp texture when thawed. It’s best used in cooked dishes if frozen.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Iceberg Lettuce is a classic salad green, providing crunch and freshness to any mix of vegetables.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Adds crisp texture and a cool, refreshing bite to sandwiches and wraps.
• Garnishes: Iceberg Lettuce is often used as a garnish for a variety of dishes, providing color and texture.
• Tacos and Burgers: Great for adding crunch to tacos, burgers, and wraps.

Conclusion

Iceberg Lettuce is a versatile and popular variety that offers gardeners an easy-to-grow, high-yield crop with refreshing, crisp texture and mild flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads, used as a crunchy topping for sandwiches, or incorporated into a variety of other dishes, Iceberg Lettuce is a great addition to any vegetable garden. Its adaptability to different growing conditions and its quick-growing nature make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, tasty harvest.