Red Salad Bowl

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Velvety leaves unfurl in a vivid, wine-red rosette—crisp to the touch, with a tender, sweet-green core that feels almost satin-smooth.

“Red Salad Bowl” forms an airy, loose-leaf bowl at about 45 days, delivering abundant harvestable foliage with a gentle crunch and refreshing flavor. Ideal for fresh, spoon-tossed salads and vibrant garnishes, its richly colored leaves also make striking, quick-to-prepare additions to bright spring and fall platters.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Red Salad Bowl

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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

This loose-leaf “bowl” trades iceberg snap for a tender, satin-soft chew with a clean, sweet-green start and a light bitter edge—built for spoon-tossing. Its red color loves bright acids and salty fats, so dress it right before serving to keep that velvety crunch intact.

Best Uses

spoon-tossed loose-leaf salads where the leaves stay airy and crisp
wine-red lettuce base for quick spring/fall platters with minimal dressing
chopped salad topping that holds vinaigrette without turning mushy fast
garnish layer on sandwiches and wraps for color and a cool crunch

Flavor Profile

gentle sweetness in the green core refreshing, crisp crunch tender, satin-soft leaf texture light, leafy bitterness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette goat cheese feta hard-boiled egg crisp bacon olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly hits Lactuca sativa (red leaf lettuce), and how can I manage it at home?

A very common issue is aphids (often on tender new growth) and mild fungal leaf spot in humid weather. Rinse aphids off with a firm spray of water, then keep the foliage drier by watering at the soil line and spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet. If leaf spots appear, remove badly affected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering to slow spread.

How often should I water Red Salad Bowl lettuce during the main growing phase?

During the 30–45 day growing period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently lightly moist—lettuce is shallow-rooted and dries out quickly. Water when the surface starts to feel dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, but adjust so the soil never swings from bone-dry to soggy. Overwatering can worsen leaf spot, so use small, targeted waterings that soak the root zone without creating puddles.

How do I know when Red Salad Bowl lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the outer leaves reach a usable size and feel crisp, usually around 45 days from sowing. Snip outer leaves first (leave the center to regrow) once plants form a loose rosette with leaves that are clearly developed but not overly tough. If the plant starts sending up a tall flowering stem, harvest immediately because flavor can turn bitter.