SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Winter Density

Lettuce
Zone 12a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Winter Density to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Winter Density
55d to harvest

Winter Density delivers a crisp, cool-sweet crunch with a dense, upright head that holds its shape through chilly weather. Its leaves are richly textured—deep green and pleasantly firm—ideal for gardeners who want reliable, harvest-ready foliage at day’s end in winter. Grow Winter Density for fresh, sturdy romaine-style salads and for lush, full-bodied greens that stay attractive and crisp after picking.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 25th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
Sun RequirementsPart SunPartial sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)45
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)6

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Winter Density in Zone 12a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Winter Density.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12a, 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 in winter, and what should I do?
Winter lettuces (Lactuca sativa) often suffer from downy mildew (often worsens with cool, wet weather) and slugs/snails when nights stay damp. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing lower leaves that touch soil, then water early in the day so foliage dries before night. If mildew shows, avoid overhead watering and remove affected leaves; for severe outbreaks, use a labeled fungicide that lists downy mildew on lettuce and follow the label’s intervals.
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing period in winter?
Keep lettuce evenly moist through the 55-day grow-out—aim for soil that stays consistently damp but not soggy. In winter, this usually means watering about once or twice per week, with the frequency adjusted to rainfall and how quickly the bed dries; check by pressing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, water thoroughly until the top 6 inches are moist, then let the surface lightly dry before the next watering.
Botanical illustration of Winter Density

Winter Density delivers a crisp, cool-sweet crunch with a dense, upright head that holds its shape through chilly weather. Its leaves are richly textured—deep green and pleasantly firm—ideal for gardeners who want reliable, harvest-ready foliage at day’s end in winter. Grow Winter Density for fresh, sturdy romaine-style salads and for lush, full-bodied greens that stay attractive and crisp after picking.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Winter Density in Zone 12a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Winter Density.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12a, 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 Winter Density, sow/transplant as soon as the soil is workable in cool weather—its exceptional frost tolerance makes it ideal for late-season and over-wintering lettuce beds.