Kwiek

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Kwiek to a garden.

Sunlit, tender leaves unfurl in a loose rosette with a crisp, water-bright snap and a pleasantly mild, sweet-green flavor—never bitter, even as the season warms.

Kwiek’s foliage stays supple and clean-looking, making it a joy to gather for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, as well as for quick tosses into greens-forward dishes and silky sauces. At about 45 days from sowing, it delivers an eager, garden-to-table harvest with an elegant, leafy presence.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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Kwiek 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	May 11th	Jun 1st	Jul 16th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	May 4th	May 25th	Jul 9th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 28th	May 19th	Jul 3rd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jun 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 22nd	May 13th	Jun 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 17th	May 8th	Jun 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 13th	May 4th	Jun 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 10th	May 1st	Jun 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Apr 4th	Apr 25th	Jun 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 30th	Apr 20th	Jun 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 20th	Apr 10th	May 25th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 11th	Apr 1st	May 16th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Mar 2nd	Mar 23rd	May 7th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 13th	Mar 6th	Apr 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 19th	Feb 9th	Mar 26th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 15th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kwiek is a loose-leaf lettuce built for eating—not babysitting—its mild sweetness and clean, crisp snap keep salads lively even as temperatures climb. Tear it, dress it, and let it hold its texture; it’s also a smart choice for quick-blended purees where you want green freshness without bitterness.

Best Uses

shredded salad base that stays crisp under vinaigrette
quick toss-in for warm grain bowls where it wilts just at the edges
paper-thin lettuce wraps where the leaves act like a fresh, cooling barrier
blended greens for a silky, light sauce or finishing puree

Flavor Profile

mild, sweet-green flavor water-bright crunch tender, supple leaves with no bitterness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil Parmesan burrata garlic grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (lettuce/“Kwiek”), and what should I do if I see it?

A common issue is downy mildew (often shown as pale yellow patches on leaf tops with grayish growth underneath). Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering the soil (not the leaves), then remove badly infected leaves right away to stop spread. If it keeps worsening, use a label-appropriate fungicide for lettuce and follow the spray schedule carefully.

During the main growing phase, how often should I water Lactuca sativa, and what soil moisture level is best?

Keep the root zone evenly moist—aim for consistently damp soil, not soggy—especially from about week 2 until harvest (roughly days 15–45). Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, which is often every 2–4 days depending on your heat and soil; lettuce stress from drying out can trigger bitterness and bolting. Mulch lightly to reduce quick drying, but ensure the bed drains well.

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

Harvest when heads/rosettes reach their expected size and the outer leaves feel firm and fully expanded; for Kwiek plan on about 45 days from sowing. Lettuce is best before it bolts—check daily for a tightening center or flowering stem, and harvest immediately if you see it starting. Cut at the base early in the morning for crisp leaves and minimal wilting.