SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Deer Tongue

Lettuce
Zone 13a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

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

Tender, deer-tongue–shaped leaves unfurl in a lush, buttery green, with a crisp snap and a gently sweet, fresh flavor that feels cool and clean from the garden. Loose-leaf growth forms an airy rosette that stays pleasantly tender as it matures in about 55 days, making it ideal for repeated harvesting. Grow Deer Tongue for vibrant salads and bright, leaf-forward garnishes—its delicate texture shines in fresh bowls and quick tosses, and it also lends a mild, leafy character to sauces and pickling-style mixes.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, 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)35
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Deer Tongue in Zone 13a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Deer Tongue.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease or pest issue for Lactuca sativa (Deer Tongue), and how can I manage it at home?
Look for aphids and powdery mildew—aphids cluster on new leaves, while powdery mildew appears as a white, dusty coating on leaf surfaces. Spray a strong jet of water to knock off aphids, then use insecticidal soap if they persist, focusing on leaf undersides. For powdery mildew, water at the soil level and thin plants so air moves through the rosette, and remove badly infected leaves early to slow spread.
How do I tell when Deer Tongue lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 55 days when the leaves form a full, firm rosette and the heads/leaves feel solid rather than loose. Pick leaves in the morning when they’re crisp, or cut the whole plant at ground level once it reaches the target size—overmature rosettes can turn more bitter and bolt faster in warm weather.
Botanical illustration of Deer Tongue

Tender, deer-tongue–shaped leaves unfurl in a lush, buttery green, with a crisp snap and a gently sweet, fresh flavor that feels cool and clean from the garden. Loose-leaf growth forms an airy rosette that stays pleasantly tender as it matures in about 55 days, making it ideal for repeated harvesting. Grow Deer Tongue for vibrant salads and bright, leaf-forward garnishes—its delicate texture shines in fresh bowls and quick tosses, and it also lends a mild, leafy character to sauces and pickling-style mixes.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Deer Tongue in Zone 13a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Deer Tongue.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 13a, 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

Because Deer Tongue is a lettuce type, transplant outdoors only when nights are reliably mild and keep the bed consistently moist to maintain the succulent leaf texture.