Buttercrisp

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Buttery, crisp leaves unfurl in a softly cupped head that feels as luxurious as it looks—tender, pale-green folds with a clean, refreshing bite.

Buttercrisp’s butterhead form matures in about 60 days, building a compact rosette of velvety texture that stays pleasantly crisp for days. Ideal for fresh salads and elegant platters, it also shines in light, spoonable sauces where its gentle flavor and supple leaves lend a refined finish.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Buttercrisp’s butterhead leaves give you that rare combo: tender folds with a real bite, so they don’t collapse into dressing puddles. Keep it bright with lemon/vinaigrette and pair it with creamy or salty proteins—this variety behaves like a palate-cleanser with a luxurious mouthfeel.

Best Uses

cold salads where the leaves stay crisp (wedge-style platters and composed bowls)
light vinaigrettes that cling without overdressing (sherry vinaigrette, lemony olive oil)
chiffonade into warm-but-gentle sautés to keep texture
a spoonable base for quick creamy sauces where the leaves soften without turning watery

Flavor Profile

buttery, mild sweetness tender yet snappy crunch clean, grassy-fresh finish soft, velvety leaf structure

Kitchen Pairings

lemon Dijon mustard extra-virgin olive oil burrata or fresh mozzarella shaved Parmesan roasted chicken or smoked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (buttercrisp) and how do I stop it?

Watch for slugs and aphids, which are common on lettuce in cool seasons and can quickly stunt growth or leave leaves with holes. Use floating row cover soon after sowing to keep pests off, then hand-pick slugs at dusk or use a pet-safe slug bait around plant bases. If you see grayish fuzzy patches, remove affected leaves promptly and improve airflow between plants to reduce lettuce diseases like botrytis.

How often should I water buttercrisp lettuce during the main growing phase?

During the peak growth period (about weeks 3–8), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—water when the top 1 inch starts to dry out, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on weather. Avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to soaked, since that increases the risk of bitter leaves and bolting in Lactuca sativa. Water at the soil line to keep leaves drier, especially in humid weather.

How can I tell when buttercrisp (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are fully formed and feel firm when gently squeezed, usually around 60 days from sowing for buttercrisp. Outer leaves should be crisp and fresh, and the center should have a tight, pale-green to buttery appearance typical of butterhead lettuce. If plants start sending up a flowering stalk (bolting), harvest immediately—even if the head isn’t at maximum size—to avoid a bitter taste.