SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Rouge d'Hiver

Lettuce
Zone 12b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Rouge d'Hiver to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Rouge d'Hiver
55d to harvest

Velvety leaves unfurl in a cool-weather crescendo—Rouge d’Hiver brings a rich, wine-rose blush over crisp, tender green, with a softly sweet bite that feels fresh and clean. The loose-leaf habit forms an airy rosette of finely textured foliage, offering a satisfying crunch that stays pleasantly crisp as it matures in about 55 days. Ideal for fresh salads and bright garnishes, Rouge d’Hiver also shines when wilted into quick, flavorful greens and stirred into hearty seasonal bowls.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, 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 DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Rouge d'Hiver in Zone 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Rouge d'Hiver.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, 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 (Rouge d’Hiver), and how do I treat it?
Watch for powdery mildew and aphids on lettuce, especially in humid weather or where leaves stay wet. Remove badly infected leaves early, improve airflow, and water at soil level; for aphids, blast plants with a strong jet of water and apply insecticidal soap if needed. If mildew keeps spreading, stop overhead watering and thin crowded plants so foliage dries faster.
How can I tell when Rouge d’Hiver lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when heads are full and firm for leaf/romaine-type lettuce or when outer leaves are large enough to pick—typically around 55 days after sowing. Use the “outer-leaf” method for continuing harvest: pick the largest outer leaves when they reach a good size and color, leaving the center to keep producing. For best flavor, harvest in the morning before midday heat makes lettuce turn more bitter.
Botanical illustration of Rouge d'Hiver

Velvety leaves unfurl in a cool-weather crescendo—Rouge d’Hiver brings a rich, wine-rose blush over crisp, tender green, with a softly sweet bite that feels fresh and clean. The loose-leaf habit forms an airy rosette of finely textured foliage, offering a satisfying crunch that stays pleasantly crisp as it matures in about 55 days. Ideal for fresh salads and bright garnishes, Rouge d’Hiver also shines when wilted into quick, flavorful greens and stirred into hearty seasonal bowls.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Rouge d'Hiver in Zone 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Rouge d'Hiver.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, 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 Rouge d’Hiver, aim to transplant into cool fall/late-season weather so the bronze leaves deepen to red as temperatures drop.