Merlot

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Sink into the velvety, wine-dark allure of Merlot lettuce—tender leaves with a deep burgundy sheen and a crisp, succulent bite.

Its loose-leaf form builds a lush rosette of gently ruffled foliage, offering a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor that stays pleasantly crisp as it grows. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, Merlot also shines in quick tosses and leafy blends where color and texture matter most.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
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)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Merlot loose-leaf lettuce is built for eating cool: its juicy, ruffled leaves stay snappy under light dressing, and the burgundy sheen makes even a simple bowl look dressed for a date. Keep it mostly raw—dress just before serving so it doesn’t slide into limp.

Best Uses

cold tossed salads where it must hold crunch
leafy blends with contrasting textures for color (piled high, lightly dressed)
quick, no-cook garnish for sandwiches and grain bowls
briefly wilted tosses in warm vinaigrettes (low heat, fast)

Flavor Profile

mildly sweet, leafy bitterness crisp, succulent crunch gently grassy finish tender, ruffled bite with a juicy snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette goat cheese balsamic vinegar extra-virgin olive oil toasted walnuts chicken or shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Merlot lettuce), and how can I manage it?

Watch for downy mildew and leaf-spot diseases, which show up as yellow patches or dark spots that spread during cool, humid weather. Improve airflow with wider spacing, water at the base early in the day, and remove any infected outer leaves immediately. If problems persist, use a copper-based fungicide labeled for lettuce, following the label rate and reapplication interval.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during its main growing phase to keep leaves crisp?

During the ~50-day growth period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist, not soggy—aim for a wet-but-drained bed with topsoil just slightly drying between waterings. In warm conditions, that’s often about 1 inch per week total (split into 2–3 waterings) while temperatures are high, then taper as weather cools. If leaves start tasting bitter or bolting begins, reduce drought stress quickly by maintaining steady moisture.

How do I tell when Merlot lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/rosettes reach their typical size for your planting density and the leaves feel firm, not limp. Look for mature leaf thickness and a tight, well-formed center, typically around 50 days from sowing for this cultivar group. Cut in the morning and harvest before the plant sends up a flowering stalk (bolting), which makes leaves turn bitter.