Dragoon

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp, cool-hearted leaves unfurl with a satisfying crunch and a sweet, lightly nutty finish—Dragoon Mini Romaine forms tight, upright heads that feel substantial in the hand.

The leaves are tender and finely textured, with a fresh green outer wrap and a paler, buttery center that stays pleasantly crisp from garden to table. Ideal for gardeners who want a compact romaine style at about 50 days, Dragoon shines in fresh salads and as a vibrant base for quick, no-fuss meal building, as well as for grilling or roasting for a caramel-kissed bite.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 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 7th
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)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Dragoon’s compact romaine gives you a satisfying snap with a sweet, nutty carry—especially in the pale, buttery center that stays crisp. Use it where texture matters: it stands up to sharp lemony dressings and grills nicely, so the outer leaves char lightly without collapsing the heart.

Best Uses

tight-chopped salad base that holds vinaigrette without turning watery
ice-cold lettuce cups for fast fillings and crunch-heavy wraps
grilling or roasting to caramel-kiss the edges while keeping the heart snappy

Flavor Profile

crisp, cool crunch sweet, lightly nutty flavor tender, finely textured leaves with a buttery pale center

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette Parmesan anchovy garlic olive oil grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how do I control it at home?

For lettuce, watch closely for downy mildew and aphids, which often show up as yellowing leaves, fuzzy growth under leaves (mildew), or sticky clusters with curled new growth (aphids). Improve airflow by spacing heads/leaves properly and remove badly infected leaves early; then spray aphids off with a strong stream of water and, if needed, use insecticidal soap, targeting the undersides of leaves in the evening. Avoid wetting the foliage because Lactuca sativa is prone to mildew when leaves stay damp.

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

During the main growth period (roughly weeks 3–7 toward the ~50-day maturity), keep the soil consistently lightly moist—aim for even moisture without waterlogging. Water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type, and water at the base to keep leaves dry. Stress from drying out too long can cause early bitterness and slower head development in Lactuca sativa.

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

Harvest when plants reach their expected size for your sowing density and the leaves feel full and firm rather than loose and thin. For most lettuce at about 50 days, you’ll see a well-formed rosette/head with outer leaves that can be picked cleanly; avoid waiting until leaves look overly elongated or begin to bolt (rapid stem growth). Taste-test one leaf—if it’s tender and not strongly bitter, it’s ready to cut or pick.