Your comments and tips

05 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

I searched for 'Cherokee lettuce seed' and came up with seed available on eBay. it is very dark red and the seed was available from Hong Kong I think. They do send to Australia and quoted around 3 weeks for delivery. Once you get it and grow some let a good specimen go to seed. Then you will have more to sow, share or sell.

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04 Jun 17, Sue (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

The darkest lettuce I know of is Lolla Rossa Darkness, it is actually a very deep red, loose leaf variety. The Seed Vault (www.theseedvault.co.za) has a picture of it as the main picture under lettuce. The only other one that it could possibly be is Red Oakleaf which is also quite dark. In my experience the better the soil the darker the colour presents on the lettuce (or deeper / brighter if it is a green lettuce).

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11 May 17, jicinta (Australia - temperate climate)

what are the ideal condtions to grow lettuce

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11 May 17, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)

Lettuces thrive in cooler zones. A good supply of old manure or compost will keep them moving and a consistent water supply is a must. Sowing the seed direct, as thinly as possible, will result in better lettuce but this may not always be practical. Watch for slugs as they love them and will hide in the base of the leaves. Sparrows can sometimes be a problem as well.

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22 Mar 17, Brooke (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Can I grow lettuce in freezing conditions that go to -10 degrees celcius?

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23 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Lettuces prefer cooler weather and can stand a light frost. If the frosts are heavy and continuous the freeze will cause the leaves to break down and become necrotic (rot). Butterhead and Romaine type lettuces will tolerate much cooler conditions than the other varieties. You ccould cover them with old towels, etc but prolonges frosts would stil cause damage. Try growing lettuce as micro-greens on cotton wool or paper towel in a tray dampened with water. You could grow them inside and harvest the little leaves by snipping with scissors. All the best.

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15 Mar 17, Nicki (Australia - temperate climate)

Can spinach and lettuce be grown in the same bed together?

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04 Feb 17, Gail (Australia - temperate climate)

I have planted a variety of lettuce from seed. From about 15 seeds planted only 1 is starting to grow. I can't see anything eating the shoots could there be bugs in the ground eating the seedling before it shoots?

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04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Lettuce and other fine seed like carrot needs consistent moisture to germinate as the seeds are fine. A notorious thief of lettuce and carrot seeds are ants! Sprinkle pepper along the row when sowing the seed, this is an excellent deterrent. Trust this helps.

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04 Jan 17, john shanahan (Australia - temperate climate)

Why is it that so many of vegetable plants go to seed before 'hearting'. Mainly lettuce?

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