Rouge d'Hiver

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Velvety leaves unfurl in a cool-weather crescendo—Rouge d’Hiver brings a rich, wine-rose blush over crisp, tender green, with a softly sweet bite that feels fresh and clean.

The loose-leaf habit forms an airy rosette of finely textured foliage, offering a satisfying crunch that stays pleasantly crisp as it matures in about 55 days. Ideal for fresh salads and bright garnishes, Rouge d’Hiver also shines when wilted into quick, flavorful greens and stirred into hearty seasonal bowls.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 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 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Rouge d’Hiver is a loose-leaf lettuce with a sweet, clean crunch that holds up better than delicate butterheads when you toss and eat fast. Use it for cold-to-warm contrast—wilt it for seconds in a hot pan or pile it on top—so the velvety texture stays crisp instead of getting soggy.

Best Uses

standalone salad greens that keep their snap under a light vinaigrette
quick sauté or wilt—brief heat to tame the bite without turning wet
layering as a garnish on warm grain bowls and beans for cold-to-hot contrast
chopped, dressed leaves in sandwiches so they don’t ghost into mush

Flavor Profile

softly sweet, fresh leafiness tender-crisp crunch with a velvety bite cool-weather wine-rose blush that reads subtly peppery at the edges

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette aged gouda feta walnuts grilled chicken white beans

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Rouge d’Hiver), and how do I treat it?

Watch for powdery mildew and aphids on lettuce, especially in humid weather or where leaves stay wet. Remove badly infected leaves early, improve airflow, and water at soil level; for aphids, blast plants with a strong jet of water and apply insecticidal soap if needed. If mildew keeps spreading, stop overhead watering and thin crowded plants so foliage dries faster.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During the 4–6 weeks of active leaf growth, keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, split into 1–2 waterings as needed. Aim for consistently damp soil under the surface (not soggy) so leaves grow tender rather than bitter or stressed. Mulch can help stabilize moisture, but still check that the top few centimeters dry only slightly between waterings.

How can I tell when Rouge d’Hiver lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are full and firm for leaf/romaine-type lettuce or when outer leaves are large enough to pick—typically around 55 days after sowing. Use the “outer-leaf” method for continuing harvest: pick the largest outer leaves when they reach a good size and color, leaving the center to keep producing. For best flavor, harvest in the morning before midday heat makes lettuce turn more bitter.