Forellenschluss

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Forellenschluss butterhead lettuce unfolds into a lush, velvety rosette with a delicate, buttery crunch and a gently sweet, fresh flavor.

Its tender leaves form a softly cupped head that feels silken to the touch—ideal for creating appealing, spoonable salads and refined garnishes. Grow it for a steady harvest of tender greens that stay pleasantly mild through the season, rewarding gardeners with a truly elegant table presence.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Forellenschluss

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 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Forellenschluss is the kind of butterhead that tastes like summer shade—mild, sweet, and tender enough to scoop, but with real crunch. Dress it lightly (acid + oil) and let it stay a silken base for salty proteins and sharp dairy rather than getting buried by big aromatics.

Best Uses

spoonable butterhead salad with a slick vinaigrette
tender leaf cups for crudo-style toppings
lightly dressed sandwich layer that won’t overpower
cool garnish for bowls and composed plates

Flavor Profile

silken, buttery crunch gently sweet, fresh lettuce bite mild, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette extra-virgin olive oil grated Parmesan goat cheese smoked salmon poached chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Forellenschluss), and how do I treat it?

Watch for downy mildew and lettuce aphids, especially in cool, damp weather or where plants stay wet overnight. Improve airflow by spacing heads/leaves properly and water at the base; remove badly infected leaves early. For aphids, spray a strong jet of water and, if needed, use insecticidal soap targeted to leaf undersides and repeat as directed on the label.

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

Keep the soil consistently lightly moist after seedlings establish, aiming for even moisture rather than soaking and drying. In summer heat, this usually means watering every 2–3 days, but only adjust by checking the top 1 inch of soil—if it’s dry there, water; if it’s still moist, wait. Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce mildew risk.

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

Harvest when plants reach their typical size and the leaves are crisp and fully formed—commonly around 55 days from sowing to maturity. For loose-leaf forms, pick outer leaves as soon as they’re big enough for eating while the center continues to grow. If leaves start getting unusually bitter or bolt begins, harvest immediately or expect rapid quality loss.