Crisp Mint

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Cool, crisp leaves with a bright mint-green glow—Crisp Mint Romaine delivers a satisfyingly snappy bite and a clean, refreshing flavor that feels as crisp as it looks.

At maturity in about 50 days, it forms an upright, tightly held head with tender, succulent texture from the center outward. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, Crisp Mint stays crisp and visually appealing, making it a standout choice for gardeners who love dependable, garden-fresh crunch.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This romaine earns its keep on the tongue: tight, center-out tenderness plus real snap, so it holds up in a vinaigrette rather than collapsing. Use it in cold applications or dress at the last second—its crispness is the whole point.

Best Uses

cold salads where the leaves must stay rigid under dressing
quick romaine-style wedges with vinaigrette that clings instead of running
grilled or pan-wilted lettuce for a brief char—then dressed at the last second
fresh wraps where the crunch needs to survive the first bite

Flavor Profile

cool, clean herbaceousness snappy, upright crunch mild sweetness with a fresh, slightly grassy edge tender centers that soften fast

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette Parmesan bacon or prosciutto anchovy olive oil black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to affect Lactuca sativa (crisp mint), and how can I treat it?

Watch for slugs and snails, especially in humid conditions, which chew ragged holes in lettuce leaves. Hand-pick at dusk, remove hiding spots, and use a physical barrier (copper tape around beds/containers) or slug bait that’s labeled for edible crops. If you see yellowing with a fuzzy gray/white growth at the crown, improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plants to reduce spread.

How often should I water crisp mint lettuce during its main growth phase to keep leaves crisp?

During the 30–45 days leading up to harvest, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the surface starts to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container size, and water early so leaves dry quickly. Uneven moisture causes bitterness and a tougher texture in Lactuca sativa.

How do I know crisp mint lettuce is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads (or rosettes) reach a usable size and the outer leaves feel firm rather than limp; for Lactuca sativa this is commonly around day 50. Cut outer leaves for a longer window of picking, or harvest the whole plant at the first sign of fast bolting (flower stalk forming). Avoid waiting until leaves look overly loose or the plant starts stretching upward.