Coastal Star

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Coastal Star romaine brings a crisp, ocean-fresh crunch with a sweet, clean finish and a tender bite from leaf to rib.

Forming tall, upright heads, it offers a satisfyingly firm texture and deep, glossy green leaves that stay attractive in the garden through the growing season. Ideal for fresh salads and hearty wraps, Coastal Star shines wherever you want romaine’s classic structure and refreshing flavor.

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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Coastal Star’s romaine structure is the whole point: the ribs stay crisp and the leaf won’t collapse, so it keeps its bite even when you dress it hard. That clean, sweet finish makes it especially good with aggressive Caesar flavors—lemon, anchovy, garlic, and cheese—without turning bitter or watery.

Best Uses

ice-cold romaine salads where the leaves hold a vinaigrette
classic Caesar-style chopped lettuce (built to stand up to thick dressing)
hearty wraps where you want structure without sogginess
quick-grill or pan-char lettuce for charred edges and a cool center

Flavor Profile

clean, sweet crunch bright, watery bite tender ribs with a snappy leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

lemon juice garlic Parmigiano-Reggiano anchovy olive oil chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Lactuca sativa (leaf lettuce), and how can I control it?

Leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) commonly suffers from downy mildew and aphid outbreaks, especially in cool, damp weather. Improve airflow and water at soil level, then remove badly affected leaves; if aphids appear, spray the undersides with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap only if needed. Keep beds weed-free because weeds host aphids and mildew spores.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–6)?

During the main growth period, keep the root zone evenly moist—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into smaller soakings if it’s hot or windy. Lettuce signals stress quickly: if leaves start to feel dry or get bitter/tight, increase watering frequency while avoiding soggy soil that promotes mildew. Aim for consistently damp soil, not waterlogged ground.

How do I tell when Lactuca sativa is ready to harvest at about 60 days?

Harvest when leaves reach the size you want: for loose-leaf types, you can start picking outer leaves as soon as plants form a usable rosette, usually well before 60 days. For full heads (if you’re growing heading types), wait until the head feels firm when gently squeezed; if it feels loose or starts stretching upward, it’s likely approaching bolting and should be harvested immediately. Morning harvesting gives the crispest leaves.