Midnight Ruffles Lettuce (48 Days)

The Midnight Ruffles Lettuce is a new variety from an Oregon breeder and is the darkest red lettuce we have seen, almost black in color. The leafy plant is full in the center with serrated leaf edges, blistered leaves, and red midrib and veins. 

300 seeds 

PLANTING

Lactuca sativa

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF. Soil temperatures above 75 ºF inhibits germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: ¼ inch deep

Starting Indoors:  Start 3-4 weeks before planting outside. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thinning to one per cell/pot. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperatures. Transplant out, 8-12” apart in rows 12” apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Spring when soil temperature reaches at least 50ºF. Sow 1” apart, thin to 6-12”, depending on the size of lettuce you want, baby to full heads. Keep soil moist during germination. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a longer harvest period. Sow heavy seeded rows every 10-14 days for baby greens using the 1/2 oz. Pinetree Lettuce Mix.

How much does a packet plant: 25-40 foot single row  

Harvest: Cut whole heads, full sized or baby at base or snipe off individual leaves.  

Tips: The Midnight Ruffles Lettuce needs fertile soil for optimum growth. Work in compost or well rotted manure into your soil before planting. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.