Cimmaron

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Cimmaron romaine brings a crisp, cool crunch from the first bite—its leaves unfurl in a dense, upright head with a sweet, fresh flavor and a pleasantly tender bite.

Expect a clean, sturdy texture with a satisfying snap, ideal for garden-to-table salads and vibrant fresh preparations. Grow Cimmaron for reliable, midseason harvests around 55 days, when the heads are at their most lush and flavorful.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 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 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Cimmaron’s tight upright head gives you that satisfying romaine snap without going tough, so it stands up to punchy dressings instead of collapsing. Use it where you want crunch first—wedge, Caesar-ish chop, or quick char—then let the sweetness and clean finish do the heavy lifting.

Best Uses

cold salads that need backbone—crisp Caesar-style chopping
wedge salads with thick dressing that clings without soaking
grilled or blistered romaine for char on the edges while staying snappy
fresh wraps where the crunch cuts through creamy sauces

Flavor Profile

cool, sweet vegetal flavor crisp romaine snap slightly tender bite at the core clean, refreshing finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon juice Parmesan anchovy paste garlic olive oil chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly hit Lactuca sativa (Cimmaron) and how do I manage them?

Leaf aphids are common on lettuce and can cause curling and stunted growth; rinse them off early and use insecticidal soap if they persist. In humid conditions, lettuce often develops downy mildew—avoid wetting leaves, space plants for airflow, and remove heavily affected leaves immediately to slow spread.

How often should I water Cimmaron lettuce during its main growing phase?

During the main growth period (about weeks 2–6 after germination), keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for your weather. Water at the base and check soil depth: the top 1 inch should feel moist, while the soil below should drain well to prevent rot.

How can I tell when Cimmaron lettuce is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/leaf rosettes reach their expected size around 55 days, and leaves feel tender rather than tough. For best texture, pick in the morning and stop as soon as the plant starts to bolt (visible flower stalk), because bitterness increases once it shifts to flowering.