Valmaine
70d to harvest
Crisp, cool crunch begins at first bite—Valmaine romaine forms tight, upright heads with a refreshing, gently sweet leaf flavor and a clean, succulent texture. The leaves stay tender and pleasantly resilient, making them ideal for fresh salads and bright, leafy platters where you want body without bitterness. Grow Valmaine for a dependable 70-day rhythm and a garden-to-table harvest that looks as good as it tastes.
Crop Dates
Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 70-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Frost | Jun 1st |
| Growing Approach | Protected Environment Only |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 70 |
| 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) | 32 |
| Harden Off (days) | 5 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pests or diseases commonly hit Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and how can I treat them at home?
Watch for aphids and slugs/snails, especially in warm, humid weather—aphids cluster on new growth, while slugs leave irregular holes with silvery trails. For aphids, rinse plants with a strong water jet and remove heavily infested leaves; repeat every 1–2 days until controlled. For slugs, hand-pick at dusk and use a copper barrier or bait placed away from pets; keep the bed free of debris that shelters them. Keep airflow up and avoid wetting leaves to reduce downy mildew risk (a common lettuce disease that shows as yellow patches on top with gray/purple growth underneath).
How often should I water Lactuca sativa during peak growth, and what soil moisture level is best?
During the main growing phase, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for dampness throughout the top 2–3 inches rather than letting it dry out then soak. Water about 2–3 times per week in part-sun gardens, increasing to more frequent light watering during heat or windy spells to prevent leaf edge browning and bitterness. Mulch lightly after seedlings establish to stabilize moisture without waterlogging the shallow lettuce roots.