Crisp Mint

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

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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

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Crisp Mint 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 21st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 14th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 8th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 2nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 27th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jun 23rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 20th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 14th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 9th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	May 30th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 21st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 12th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Apr 25th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Mar 31st – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th

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.