Cherokee Red

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

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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

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Cherokee Red Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Jul 26th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 19th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 9th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 9th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 13th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 9th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 7th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 2nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jun 28th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 25th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 19th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 14th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 4th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 26th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 17th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Apr 30th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 5th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

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.