*Ark of Taste Heirloom*
(Lactuca sativa) This might be our favorite full size lettuce we grow here at Uprising and one that deserves a better look from market growers. Admires’ produces tremendous, blocky, dense green heads blushed with just the right amount of red to the tips of the leaves. Extremely uniform, it holds up well to packing. Some classify it as a butterhead, which I don’t think is entirely correct (probably more akin to Batavian/summercrisp types). It will form a loose head if left to full maturity. Firm texture similar to a tender romaine. Presented to the Seed Saver Exchange in 1977 by 90-year-old Cloe Lowrey, granddaughter to civil war veteran George Admire (b. 1822).
55 days. UO

Packet: 1g (~800 seeds)

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost. Seeds germinate best below 70F.

Transplant out 3-4 week-old plants.

Direct seed after last frost.

Sow every 3 weeks until 6 weeks before first Fall frost date for constant lettuce.

Note: Seeds will become dormant if exposed to high temperatures. Lettuce grows best in cooler weather.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8"

SPACING:

10-12" in rows 12-15" apart.

EMERGENCE:

5-7 days @ soil temp 68F and lower.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Medium. Prefers well-drained, with balanced fertility and evenly moist soil. Lettuce is sensitive to low pH.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Uneven watering can result in tip burn, the browning of the leaf margins, which is caused by the plant's inability to move calcium to the growing edge fast enough to meet its growth needs. If this seems to be a problem, consistent, evenly moist soil or calcium amendments can be beneficial.

Hot weather can cause premature bolting. Generally, when the plants begin to stretch upwards (to flower), the leaves become bitter, and the eating quality is poor.

Lettuce, 'Grandpa Admire's'