SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Cherokee

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Cherokee to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Cherokee
60d to harvest

Sink your senses into Cherokee’s crisp, cool crunch—heads form with a lush, inviting texture and a fresh, gently sweet flavor that feels bright from the first bite. Batavian style brings a satisfying firmness with ruffled, tender leaves that hold their shape beautifully, making Cherokee a standout for garden-to-table freshness and quick, vibrant salads.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)35
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Cherokee in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Cherokee.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase?
During active leaf production, keep the root zone evenly moist but not soggy—aim for top 1 inch of soil to stay consistently damp. In typical home gardens, that often means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing to 2–3 times during hot, drying weather. If lettuce wilts midday and perks up in the evening, water frequency is too low; if leaves stay limp and soil smells sour, you’re likely overwatering.
How can I tell when Cherokee leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Begin harvesting at around day 45 for baby leaves, and at about day 60 for fully sized leaves. Pick outer leaves when they are firm and reach the size you want, leaving the center to regrow for multiple harvests. Stop harvesting whole plants if you see early bolting signs (rapid stem elongation and bitter-tasting leaves), because quality drops quickly.
Botanical illustration of Cherokee

Sink your senses into Cherokee’s crisp, cool crunch—heads form with a lush, inviting texture and a fresh, gently sweet flavor that feels bright from the first bite. Batavian style brings a satisfying firmness with ruffled, tender leaves that hold their shape beautifully, making Cherokee a standout for garden-to-table freshness and quick, vibrant salads.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Cherokee in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Cherokee.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For Cherokee Summer Crisp, prioritize consistent moisture and sow/transplant when nights are at least cool-tolerant (avoid prolonged heat spikes by using shade cloth during the hottest weeks).