Prizehead Lettuce Seeds For Planting (Lactuca sativa)

Description

Grow a garden filled with Prizehead Lettuce, from freshly harvested Lactuca sativa seeds. Prizehead is a heirloom variety that produces loose-leaf heads in a brilliant combination of green and maroon colors. The leaves are tender, with a frilly texture. Prizehead goes great in salads to add a bit of color, before a large meal.

Prizehead Lettuce, like all lettuce is an annual crop. These annuals grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds, producing heads of delicious leafy greens. This variety is best established in early Spring, or in the Autumn season, since it grows best in cooler weather. Prizehead is slow to bolt, but usually bolts quicker with warmer weather.

Sowing The Seed

Lettuce seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, choose large peat pots, at least 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Sow the seeds in groups of 4, at a depth of 1/16" under topsoil, so that they are barely covered. Transplant entire peat pots outdoors, or direct sow when the weather has become mildly warm. Do not sow deeper than the recommended sowing depth mentioned above, as Lettuce will require a bit of direct light to germinate properly.

Growing Conditions

Lettuce will thrive in areas of partial sun, meaning that they should receive about 5 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Lettuce plants prefer cooler temperatures of 45F to 65F and will flourish in loose, fertile soils, just make sure that the sowing medium is also well drained. To increase your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily to ensure that the ground is moist, but never soaked.

Germination & Growth

Lettuce will typically begin to germinate within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 10 to 12 inches tall, spreading to a good 10 to 12 inches wide. The plants can be spaced roughly 8 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Prizehead produces green, curly leaves with a splash of blushy red coloring. Harvest in 50 to 55 days.

Harvesting Prizehead Lettuce

Prizehead Lettuce can be harvested within 50 to 55 days, when the heads are roughly 8 to 10 inches in size, and are green to red. Rinse and enjoy, or store in the fridge for later use. Keep in mind that storing your Lettuce with other fruits, such as apples and pears is not recommended, as this can cause the leaves to brown.