Red Salad Bowl

Lettuce

Zone 12a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Red Salad Bowl

🌱 45d to harvest Rosette

Velvety leaves unfurl in a vivid, wine-red rosette—crisp to the touch, with a tender, sweet-green core that feels almost satin-sm…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 15th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly hits Lactuca sativa (red leaf lettuce), and how can I manage it at home?

A very common issue is aphids (often on tender new growth) and mild fungal leaf spot in humid weather. Rinse aphids off with a firm spray of water, then keep the foliage drier by watering at the soil line and spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet. If leaf spots appear, remove badly affected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering to slow spread.

How often should I water Red Salad Bowl lettuce during the main growing phase?

During the 30–45 day growing period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently lightly moist—lettuce is shallow-rooted and dries out quickly. Water when the surface starts to feel dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, but adjust so the soil never swings from bone-dry to soggy. Overwatering can worsen leaf spot, so use small, targeted waterings that soak the root zone without creating puddles.

How do I know when Red Salad Bowl lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the outer leaves reach a usable size and feel crisp, usually around 45 days from sowing. Snip outer leaves first (leave the center to regrow) once plants form a loose rosette with leaves that are clearly developed but not overly tough. If the plant starts sending up a tall flowering stem, harvest immediately because flavor can turn bitter.

Velvety leaves unfurl in a vivid, wine-red rosette—crisp to the touch, with a tender, sweet-green core that feels almost satin-smooth. “Red Salad Bowl” forms an airy, loose-leaf bowl at about 45 days, delivering abundant harvestable foliage with a gentle crunch and refreshing flavor. Ideal for fresh, spoon-tossed salads and vibrant garnishes, its richly colored leaves also make striking, quick-to-prepare additions to bright spring and fall platters.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For the sweetest, tender heads, keep lettuce cool—transplant when nights are reliably above freezing and soil temps are in the 40s.