(Lactuca sativa) Every year, this lettuce attracts more attention and comments than just about anything else we grow on the farm, and we grow a lot of unusual varieties. Hands down the reddest of red lettuces on the market, a deep burgundy from the tip of the leaf to the base of the stem. Destined to become a modern classic, this variety was brought over from Holland in the 80’s by Sheperd Ogden of Sheperd’s Seeds. Medium-sized, somewhat loose heads are very slow to bolt. Stunning in salad mix and as full-sized heads, Merlot will make you chuckle at what they call “redleaf” at the supermarket!
30 days baby, 60 days head. 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, 'Merlot'