(Lactuca sativa) Bred from a cross between 'Eruption' (one of our very favorite lettuces), a looseleaf, and an iceberg, 'Queen of Hearts' delivers everything we love about 'Eruption' in a denser, more compact package. Probably best described as a mini-butter-romaine, its heads feature stunning saturated burgundy outer leaves that fade to a green interior and then back to a strawberry core. The interior is a salad lovers' dream with leaves small enough to be left whole, a gorgeous range of blanched green to red shades, a firm, crisp midrib that keeps the texture interesting, and plenty of ruffles to hold onto the dressing. Upright heads have more of a closed habit than many of the the mini-romaine 'gems' types. While the plants are fairly uniform, the variety is not yet stable for seed color, so a mix of dark and light seeds is normal. Uprising original variety.
50-55 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, 'Queen of Hearts'