Vulcan

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Crisp as cool morning air, Vulcan loose-leaf lettuce forms a dense, upright rosette of tender leaves with a bright, clean green glow and a pleasantly sweet, mild bite.

The texture is satisfyingly crunchy yet delicate—ideal for pulling fresh leaves into salads, building vibrant greens for sandwiches, and stirring into quick sauces where its flavor stays fresh and lively. Ready in about 45 days, Vulcan is a dependable choice for gardeners who want a fast, beautiful harvest with a refined, garden-fresh taste.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Vulcan’s loose-leaf structure gives you dense crunch in a tender leaf—great when you want sweetness and snap, not bitterness. It tolerates quick tosses and acidic dressings without turning limp, making it a smart choice for fast, garden-forward plates.

Best Uses

torn-leaf salads with light vinaigrettes that cling without sogginess
ice-cold sandwiches where the leaves stay snappy, not wet
quick stir-throughs in pan sauces or warm dressings to keep the flavor bright
use as a fresh bed for grilled proteins so it holds contrast

Flavor Profile

sweet, mild lettuce bite cool, crisp crunch clean green flavor with a delicate snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil aged cheddar feta chickpeas grilled chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (Lolla Bionda-type) and how can I control it?

A frequent problem is downy mildew (often shown as pale yellow patches on leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside). Use labeled fungicides if needed early, but first remove and discard infected leaves and improve airflow between plants in part sun. Avoid overhead watering and keep the leaf surface dry, since lettuce downy mildew spreads quickly in cool, damp conditions.

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

During the 6–10 week growing period to harvest, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist—lettuce needs consistent moisture to prevent bitterness and early bolting. Water deeply enough to reach that depth, typically every 1–3 days depending on heat and container vs. ground conditions. If leaves start to look limp then crisp up suddenly, you’re letting moisture swing too much; aim for steady moisture rather than light daily misting.

How do I know when my Lactuca sativa is ready to harvest at about 45 days?

Harvest when heads are firm for the type you’re growing and outer leaves are fully expanded, usually around 45 days from germination. For cut-and-come-again, pick outer mature leaves once they’re large enough to eat, leaving the center to keep producing. If the plant starts sending up a flowering stalk or the center becomes noticeably elongated, quality declines—harvest immediately.