Two Star

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Two Star to a garden.

Crisp, cool, and vividly fresh from the first harvest—Two Star loose-leaf lettuce forms tender, ruffled leaves with a bright, garden-sweet flavor and a delicate crunch that lingers.

The foliage is richly textured, with frilly edges and an inviting, light-green glow that looks as good as it tastes. Grow Two Star for generous, repeat harvests in salads and fresh platters, or let its gentle character shine in quick tosses and leafy garnishes.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

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Two Star Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 14th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 18th	Jul 7th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 27th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 27th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 12th	Jul 1st – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 27th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 6th	Jun 25th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 20th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	Apr 27th	Jun 16th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	Apr 24th	Jun 13th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 18th	Jun 7th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 13th	Jun 2nd – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 3rd	May 23rd – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Mar 25th	May 14th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 16th	May 5th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Feb 27th	Apr 18th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 2nd	Mar 24th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Two Star’s loose-leaf texture stays airy and crisp, so it’s built for dressings that don’t wait—think lemony vinaigrette right before serving. The sweet, cool crunch makes it a standout under salty cheeses and charred proteins, where it holds its snap instead of wilting into the bowl.

Best Uses

springy base for quick toss salads (dressing clings without turning muddy)
leafy platters with lemony vinaigrette
wrap-and-build lettuce cups for crisp contrast
finishing garnish on warm bowls where it stays crunchy

Flavor Profile

bright, garden-sweet flavor tender ruffled leaves with a delicate snap cool, watery refresh with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil feta goat cheese cherry tomato grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly hits Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and how can I fix it?

Leafy lettuce like Lactuca sativa is prone to downy mildew and leaf spots (often favored by cool, damp conditions). Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering only at the soil line, then remove and discard infected leaves to slow spread. If problems persist, switch to a preventative labeled fungicide for edible greens and avoid overhead watering for the rest of the season.

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

During the 30–50 day leafy growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For most home gardens, that’s about 1 inch of water per week, split into smaller waterings during hot or windy spells to prevent lettuce from drying and turning bitter. Mulch lightly around plants to reduce moisture swings that trigger tipburn and bolting.

How do I tell when Lactuca sativa (Two Star) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 50 days when heads are firm (for romaine/butterhead types) or leaves are full-sized and crisp with minimal wilting. Pick in the morning when leaves are turgid, and check that outer leaves are broad and usable—not tiny, pale, or stretched. If the center starts to elongate or flowers/seed stalk appears, harvest immediately before quality drops.