Concept

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Cool, crisp leaves unfurl with a fresh, dewy snap—Concept delivers a summer-crisp bite that feels as clean as a morning breeze.

The heads form with an inviting, tender texture and a balanced, mild flavor that shines in salads and bright garnishes. Grow Concept for reliable, garden-ready rosettes that hold their crisp appeal through warm-season days.

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	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Concept lettuce is all about that cold-air crunch: mild flavor and tender structure make it ideal for dressings that cling without soaking the leaf. Use it like a finishing green—right at the end—so it stays snappy and doesn’t collapse into bitterness.

Best Uses

ice-cold salad greens where the leaves keep their bite
shredded for quick slaw with tangy dressing
layering in wraps where lettuce stays crisp (not soggy)
tossing into warm grain bowls at the last second as a fresh counter-note

Flavor Profile

cool, mild bitterness clean, dewy snap tender rosette texture light, grassy freshness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil garlic yogurt bacon or prosciutto parmesan chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and how do I manage it?

Lettuce commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing as pale, yellow-green spots on leaves with fuzzy growth under humid conditions). Remove and discard infected leaves immediately, then space plants more widely for airflow and water at the soil line (not on leaves). If it keeps recurring, switch to a disease-resistant planting and consider a labeled fungicide that’s approved for lettuce and downy mildew in your area.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase?

During the 60-day growth period, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—lettuce roots are shallow and dry spells cause bitterness and bolting. In warm part-sun conditions, this often means watering 1–2 times per week, increasing to about every 2–3 days during hot spells. Mulch lightly after seedlings establish to steady moisture and reduce leaf-edge stress.

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

Harvest when heads are firm and appropriately sized for your type, or when outer leaves are full-sized (typically around 60 days from sowing). For loose-leaf lettuce, pick outer leaves once they’re large enough to use and leave the center to keep growing. If you see rapid stem elongation or flowering stalk development, harvest immediately—lettuce will turn bitter as it bolts.