Red Buttercos

Lettuce

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Rosette

Velvety, butter-soft leaves unfurl in a compact rosette, colored a rich garnet-red that deepens toward the outer folds. Red Butte…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 4th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 20th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Lactuca sativa (red butterhead type), and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails on tender lettuce leaves, especially in warm, humid stretches. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray and remove heavily infested leaves; for slugs, hand-pick at dusk and use a copper barrier or iron-phosphate bait where it can’t reach pets. Also keep airflow up and water at soil level to reduce risk of fungal leaf spots and downy mildew in dense stands.

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

During head/leaf expansion (after seedlings establish), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings in hot weather. Lettuce in Asteraceae will get bitter and bolt faster if it dries out, so aim for consistently damp soil 1–2 inches down rather than letting it swing dry-to-wet. Mulch helps stabilize moisture around the plants.

How can I tell when Lactuca sativa is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the heads feel firm and leaves are fully expanded for a butterhead type, usually around 50 days from sowing for your growing conditions. Use a light squeeze—if the center gives only slightly and the outer leaves are crisp, cut the head at the base in the morning for best texture. Don’t wait until the plant bolts (flower stalk starts); once it bolts, leaf quality drops quickly.

Velvety, butter-soft leaves unfurl in a compact rosette, colored a rich garnet-red that deepens toward the outer folds. Red Buttercos forms a tender, spoonable heart with a mild, sweet crunch—ideal for fresh salads and elegant garnishes, and it shines when lightly dressed or layered in cool-season platters. At about 50 days, it’s a satisfying choice for gardeners who want a showy, garden-fresh butterhead with a delicate texture and refreshing flavor.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

Start early for crisp leaves, and avoid heat stress by transplanting as cool weather settles and keeping soil consistently moist.