Flashy Butter Oak

Lettuce

50d to harvest

Velvety, buttery leaves unfurl in a luminous rosette—Flashy Butter Oak brings a rich, tender crunch with a softly sweet, fresh-green flavor. At maturity (about 50 days), its heads form a compact, spoon-shaped butterhead with a crisp yet yielding texture that stays pleasantly delicate. Ideal for garden-fresh salads and elegant platters, Flashy Butter Oak is a standout choice when you want beauty, tenderness, and a clean, bright bite in every serving.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 20th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly hit Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how can I prevent and treat them?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails on tender lettuce leaves; they often appear as distorted growth, holes, or sticky residue. Rinse aphids off with a strong stream of water and use insecticidal soap if colonies persist, while hand-picking slugs at dusk and setting beer traps or copper barriers protects young plants. Keep foliage dry with morning watering and spaced plants to reduce downy mildew risk, which shows as yellow patches on top with fuzzy growth underneath.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase to keep it crisp and prevent problems?

During active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, then adjust so the top 1 inch of soil stays damp but not soggy. Water at the base in the morning to avoid wet leaves, especially when temperatures rise and lettuce is at higher risk of tip-burn and mildew. If lettuce starts to feel dry or wilts between waterings, increase frequency (smaller, more regular soakings) rather than one heavy watering.

How do I tell when Flashy Butter Oak lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm (for romaine-type habit) or when leaf clusters are full and reach the typical size for your bed—usually around 50 days from sowing. For the best texture, pick leaves when they’re crisp and tender, before the plant bolts; signs include rapid stem elongation and leaf bitterness. Use scissors to cut outer leaves first (letting the center continue) or harvest the whole plant once it’s fully developed.