SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Ruby Sky

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ruby Sky to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Ruby Sky
50d to harvest

Ruby Sky unfolds in a lush, loose-leaf rosette where tender leaves blush from cool green to vivid ruby-red at the edges, like dawn light on velvet. Expect a crisp, juicy bite with a mild, refreshing flavor that stays pleasantly sweet—ideal for gardeners who love greens that look as good as they taste. Grow Ruby Sky for abundant harvests over a long season, perfect for fresh salads, bright wraps, and vibrant garnishes that lend color to every bowl.

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 bolting-resistant summer harvests, keep plants evenly moist and provide afternoon shade if nights are warm.

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 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)65
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

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

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

What pest or disease most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how can I manage it?
Lettuce is commonly hit by aphids and mildew, especially when plants stay damp. For aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water and spot-treat heavily infested heads/leaves; for mildew, improve airflow by thinning to proper spacing and water at soil level instead of overhead.
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?
During the main growth period (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water per week in total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let the root zone dry out, since lettuce quickly turns bitter when it stresses.
How do I tell when Lactuca sativa is ready to harvest?
Harvest Ruby Sky about 50 days from sowing when heads are fully formed and feel firm to the touch, with leaves that are crisp rather than limp. Cut at the base in the morning for best texture, and if your plants start to stretch upward or flower (bolting), harvest immediately because quality drops fast.

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 bolting-resistant summer harvests, keep plants evenly moist and provide afternoon shade if nights are warm.

Botanical illustration of Ruby Sky

Ruby Sky unfolds in a lush, loose-leaf rosette where tender leaves blush from cool green to vivid ruby-red at the edges, like dawn light on velvet. Expect a crisp, juicy bite with a mild, refreshing flavor that stays pleasantly sweet—ideal for gardeners who love greens that look as good as they taste. Grow Ruby Sky for abundant harvests over a long season, perfect for fresh salads, bright wraps, and vibrant garnishes that lend color to every bowl.