SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Salinas 88

Lettuce
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Salinas 88 to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Salinas 88
65d to harvest

Crisp as morning frost, Salinas 88 forms a dense, cool-toned head with a satisfying crunch and a clean, gently sweet flavor. Its tightly layered leaves hold their snap beautifully, making it a standout for fresh, crisp salads and elegant garnishes where texture is everything. Grow it for reliable, market-ready heads that stay crisp and inviting from garden to table.

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 BeginsDec 5th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity65
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Salinas 88 in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Salinas 88.

Garden Alerts

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

Recommended Companions

Miyashige Radish
View Details →
Romance Carrot
View Details →
Common Chives Chives
View Details →
Madras Radish
View Details →
Purple Sun Carrot
View Details →
Purly Chives
View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease problem for Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how do I treat it?
For lettuce, one of the most frequent issues is downy mildew (often showing as pale yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-violet growth underneath). Improve airflow by thinning to proper spacing and keep leaves as dry as possible when watering; if you see early spread, remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. In home gardens, use a labeled fungicide for downy mildew on lettuce as soon as symptoms appear, following the label exactly.
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during its main growth phase?
During the main growth (roughly weeks 3–to-harvest), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for light, consistent moisture rather than letting it dry out and then flooding it. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry; for most beds this is about 1–2 times per week, but you may need more during warm, windy weather. Avoid soaking the crown and base of leaves to reduce mildew risk.
Botanical illustration of Salinas 88

Crisp as morning frost, Salinas 88 forms a dense, cool-toned head with a satisfying crunch and a clean, gently sweet flavor. Its tightly layered leaves hold their snap beautifully, making it a standout for fresh, crisp salads and elegant garnishes where texture is everything. Grow it for reliable, market-ready heads that stay crisp and inviting from garden to table.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Salinas 88 in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Salinas 88.

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 Salinas-type crispheads in warmer periods, start succession sowings and keep soil consistently moist to reduce bolting risk.