Sangria

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Sink your spoon into Sangria’s lush butterhead heart—tender, buttery leaves unfurl in a cool, sweet crunch with a faintly nutty finish.

At maturity (about 55 days), the rosette forms a generous, velvety head with pale green outer leaves and a softly blanched center that feels silk-smooth in the mouth. Grow Sangria for fresh salads, elegant sandwiches, and quick, vibrant dressings where its delicate texture truly shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
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)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sangria’s butterhead softness and sweet, cool crunch make it a spoon-and-fork lettuce—silk-smooth in the center and just nutty enough at the edges. Dress lightly and add it last so the leaves stay tender and buoyant instead of collapsing.

Best Uses

butterhead salad with a light vinaigrette that coats but doesn’t drown (it holds dressing without turning slick)
assembling elegant sandwich layers where the leaves stay tender and don’t crack like crisper lettuces
quick tosses with citrus and olive oil—great for a fast, bright, cold side
tearing for a soft base under warm toppings (beans, roasted chicken) where it wilts just at the edges

Flavor Profile

cool sweet crunch buttery, velvety butterhead texture faintly nutty finish gentle, mild bitterness at the outer leaves

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette extra-virgin olive oil goat cheese prosciutto grilled chicken hazelnuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Lactuca sativa (Bibb/Sangria), and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and downy mildew, both common on Lactuca sativa. Spray aphids with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days, or spot-treat with insecticidal soap; remove heavily affected leaves to slow spread. For downy mildew, improve airflow by spacing plants, avoid wetting the foliage, and water at soil level early in the day.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase (from establishment to heading/full size)?

Keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 smaller waterings during warm spells. Don’t let beds dry out, because Lactuca sativa will turn bitter and bolt; at the same time, avoid soggy soil that can trigger mildew. Test by pressing a finger 1 inch into the soil: if it feels dry at that depth, water.

How can I tell when my Lactuca sativa (Sangria) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 55 days when the heads (or firm rosettes for loose types) feel solid and the leaves are fully sized, not still “spindly.” Use a gentle squeeze—if it feels springy rather than firm, give it a bit more time. For best flavor, cut early in the morning and refrigerate promptly.