New Red Fire

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Aromatic and electric in the garden, New Red Fire unfurls loose-leaf heads with a vivid, ember-red blush over crisp, tender green—so lively it feels like heat on the breeze.

The leaves are pleasantly snappy with a bright, peppery edge that lingers, making this warm-season lettuce a standout for bold fresh flavor and vibrant garnishes. Grow it for quick, reliable harvest in about 50 days, and let its fiery color steal the show from spring through summer.

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	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

New Red Fire is built for heat-forward raw use: its peppery bite and crisp snap hold up in a quick vinaigrette without collapsing into watery bitterness. Use it as the spicy-green punctuation—especially under lime, garlic, and a little sesame heat—so that ember-red color and flavor both show off.

Best Uses

quick toss salads where it stays crisp under a light vinaigrette
spicy garnish for tacos, grain bowls, and roast-chicken sandwiches
cold noodle bowls that need a peppery, crunchy finish
brief wilted lettuce in a hot stir-fry for peppery greens

Flavor Profile

crisp, snappy leaf texture bright peppery edge with a clean heat-linger fresh, slightly bitter lettuce snap electric red-leaf aroma

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic sesame oil gochujang feta grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how do I treat it?

In lettuce, gray mold (Botrytis) and downy mildew often show up as soft, gray patches or fuzzy growth on leaves, especially in cool, damp weather. Remove affected leaves immediately and improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at soil level (not on the leaves). If it keeps spreading, use a labeled biofungicide for downy mildew/gray mold and avoid overhead irrigation for the rest of the crop.

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

During active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently lightly moist—about 1 inch (2–3 cm) per week total, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or drying quickly. Let the top 1/2 inch (1–2 cm) dry slightly between waterings to prevent soggy roots, but don’t allow the bed to fully dry out, which can trigger bitterness and bolting.

How can I tell when New Red Fire lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the leaves are full-sized for your bed and the plants have formed a dense rosette typical of lettuce, usually around day 50. Pick outer leaves first for a longer harvest window, or harvest the whole plant when the center leaves are tender and well-expanded. If you notice rapid stem elongation or a tough, bitter taste, it’s past peak—harvest immediately.