Red Buttercos

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Velvety, butter-soft leaves unfurl in a compact rosette, colored a rich garnet-red that deepens toward the outer folds.

Red Buttercos forms a tender, spoonable heart with a mild, sweet crunch—ideal for fresh salads and elegant garnishes, and it shines when lightly dressed or layered in cool-season platters. At about 50 days, it’s a satisfying choice for gardeners who want a showy, garden-fresh butterhead with a delicate texture and refreshing flavor.

Light: Full 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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Buttercos is a butterhead lettuce where the magic is the leaf—velvety, spoonable, and still lightly snappy at the edges. Use it with bright, restrained dressings so the garnet-red folds stay intact and creamy rather than turning watery.

Best Uses

ice-cold composed salads where it won’t shred—treat it like edible upholstery
quick toss with a light vinaigrette or lemony dressing to keep the center intact
layering in cold sandwiches and wraps where the leaves act as a creamy barrier
garnish duty: rip into shards for bowls, platters, and seafood sides

Flavor Profile

mildly sweet, milky flavor butter-soft yet crisp-edged crunch tender, spoonable leaf texture clean, cool-season refreshment

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil feta cheese crisp bacon or prosciutto grilled or poached salmon cucumber

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Lactuca sativa (red butterhead type), and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails on tender lettuce leaves, especially in warm, humid stretches. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray and remove heavily infested leaves; for slugs, hand-pick at dusk and use a copper barrier or iron-phosphate bait where it can’t reach pets. Also keep airflow up and water at soil level to reduce risk of fungal leaf spots and downy mildew in dense stands.

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

During head/leaf expansion (after seedlings establish), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings in hot weather. Lettuce in Asteraceae will get bitter and bolt faster if it dries out, so aim for consistently damp soil 1–2 inches down rather than letting it swing dry-to-wet. Mulch helps stabilize moisture around the plants.

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

Harvest when the heads feel firm and leaves are fully expanded for a butterhead type, usually around 50 days from sowing for your growing conditions. Use a light squeeze—if the center gives only slightly and the outer leaves are crisp, cut the head at the base in the morning for best texture. Don’t wait until the plant bolts (flower stalk starts); once it bolts, leaf quality drops quickly.