How to Grow Red Sails Lettuce

Red sails lettuce is one of the more delectable varieties of lettuce. Unlike iceberg lettuce, red sails lettuce does not form a ball or head that is harvested. It is classified as a leaf lettuce, which means it forms individual leaves that can be harvested for salads and culinary needs at will. As the name suggests, red sails lettuce forms dark red leaves which are very frost resistant, quick growing and have a piquant, buttery flavor. Here is a guide detailing how to grow red sails lettuce in a garden or backyard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tiller
• Rake
• Hoe
• Pelletized red sails lettuce seeds
• Backyard or garden
• High nitrogen/high phosphorus liquid fertilizer
• Organic pesticide
• Water sprinkler

1. Begin by tilling the plot of land you intend to grow the lettuce on in early spring. Roughly 100 square feet of land will be sufficient to provide a steady supply of Red Sails Lettuce for the entire year. Divide the land up into parallel rows, separated a full foot from one another. Lettuce can withstand more shade than most other vegetables, so if there’s a patch of land or garden that’s too shaded to grow much in, this is an ideal use. This will be your most difficult task as the soil must be thoroughly turned and weeded before you can safely plant the lettuce.

2. Soak the soil thoroughly with a sprinkler before planting. Before planting, it is important to know that red sails l,ettuce grows very quickly, but after it matures, it rots soon afterwards. For that reason you will have to plant seeds at 2-week intervals. This will ensure you have a constant supply of lettuce throughout the year. Divide the plot of land up into quarters. Every 2 weeks, plant one of the quarters until they are all full. Simply push the pelletized seed about an inch into the soil by hand and keep the seeds roughly 8 inches apart. Lettuce seed is very small and for that reason, the extra expense of pelletized seed is well worth it. It’s simply a seed covered in a cube of loose clay that will slough away once the seed has been watered and begins to germinate.

3. Water the lettuce seeds using a sprinkler for about 10 minutes each day. The lettuce should sprout in less than a week and be completely matured 45 days after planting. Any time between the lettuce sprouting and maturing, you are free to break off a few leaves for your own needs. The only upkeep the lettuce will need is a dose of liquid fertilizer roughly two weeks after sprouting. Make sure the fertilizer is high in nitrogen and phosphorus as lettuce needs this to produce the best tasting leaves. Use pesticides sparingly and only as needed.

4. Harvest the lettuce when it matures or as it is needed. Be careful not to uproot the plant’s base. Lettuce grows so quickly it often produces several crops before dying in the winter.

Resources

• Video guide regarding red sails lettuce care