Cherokee Red

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Velvety, deep ruby-green leaves unfurl with a crisp, juicy snap—Cherokee Red Batavian lettuce brings a striking blush of red through the outer folds and a tender, buttery heart.

Expect a full, upright head with a satisfying crunch that holds beautifully from garden to table, ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes. With about 55 days to maturity, it’s a bold, dependable choice for gardeners who want color, texture, and everyday freshness in one elegant crop.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cherokee Red Batavian has that rare combo of crisp outer structure and a tender, buttery heart, so it behaves well under real dressing instead of wilting into sadness. Use it like a crunchy lettuce wedge—its mild bitterness and juicy snap make creamy or tangy partners sing without clashing.

Best Uses

ice-cold salad heads where the crunch needs to hold
wedge-style servings with creamy dressings
quick-tossed greens with warm vinaigrette—won’t turn to mush fast
garnish for rubs or grilled proteins (adds snap and color)

Flavor Profile

juicy crisp snap tender-buttery center mild leafy bitterness cool, lightly sweet finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette bacon or prosciutto blue cheese or feta hard-boiled egg mustard-mayo dressing grilled chicken or salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Cherokee Red lettuce), and how can I treat it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails, which can chew young leaves and leave holes with slime trails. Rinse aphids off with a strong jet of water, then use insecticidal soap if they return; for slugs, hand-pick at dusk and set copper tape or bait around the bed to protect seedlings. Also check for downy mildew in cool, humid weather—improve airflow by spacing plants and water at soil level, not on the leaves.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during peak growth to keep it crisp and prevent bolting?

During the main growing phase, keep the soil evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in total, adjusted so the top 1 inch stays damp but not soggy. Water in the morning and aim for steady moisture, because lettuce that dries out then gets wet can become bitter and more likely to bolt. If you’re in hot weather, you may need 2–3 lighter waterings per week to maintain consistent moisture.

How do I tell when Cherokee Red (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/rosettes are well-formed for your planting style and the leaves feel full and firm, typically around 55 days from sowing. For leaf harvest, pick outer leaves when they’re about palm-sized, leaving the center to regrow. If the center shoots up and leaves turn sharply bitter or elongated, harvest immediately to avoid bolting flavor.