Sierra

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Sweet, cool crunch leads the way with Sierra—an inviting summer crisp lettuce whose leaves unfurl in a fresh, airy rosette and hold their snap with remarkable steadiness.

Expect a tender, juicy texture and a clean, mild flavor that shines in bright salads and quick tosses, with leaves that stay crisp even as temperatures rise. Grow Sierra for a dependable 55-day harvest and a lush, garden-fresh centerpiece of green.

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)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sierra’s steady crispness is the whole point—juicy leaves that don’t collapse when the day warms up, so they stay bright under a quick vinaigrette. It’s mild enough to play nice with salty cheeses and grilled proteins, but juicy enough to keep a clean bite in slaws and fresh tosses.

Best Uses

toss-and-serve summer salads that need to hold crunch
simple lettuce wraps or crunchy base for handhelds
quick charmless plating with bright vinaigrettes
shredded into slaws where you want watery snap

Flavor Profile

sweet, mild lettuce flavor cool, juicy crunch tender but snappy leaf texture clean, lightly grassy finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette tomatoes cucumber feta grilled chicken olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Cynara scolymus (artichoke) in home gardens, and how can I manage it?

Artichokes are commonly hit by artichoke plume moth (and related foliage feeding pests) and by fungal problems like botrytis/gray mold in cool, humid weather. Check weekly for chewed leaves and silken webbing around buds, then remove and destroy infested leaves; keep plants spaced for airflow and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. If gray mold appears on buds/leaves, cut out affected tissue promptly and improve ventilation; in severe cases, use a labeled fungicide suitable for edible crops and follow the label directions.

During the main growing phase, how often should I water Cynara scolymus and what soil moisture level does it need?

Water deeply so the root zone stays evenly moist—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week during active growth, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root ball to fully dry out, which can lead to smaller, poor-quality buds. Mulch around plants helps stabilize moisture, reducing stress that worsens bud development.

How can I tell when Cynara scolymus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the buds reach full size but before the center opens: the bracts should be tight and firm, with a slight “squeak” when gently squeezed. For most gardeners, this is about 55 days from transplanting/establishment, depending on temperature and growing conditions. Cut the stem 1–2 inches below the bud, and be ready to harvest subsequent buds from the plant as they mature.