Mottistone
55d to harvest
Unfurl Mottistone and savor its unmistakable, garden-bright charm: crisp, broad leaves with a mottled, buttery-green base brushed in soft, creamy highlights. The texture is satisfyingly crunchy and tender at once, holding a fresh bite that shines in salads and as a vivid bed for garnishes. With its Batavian breadth and steady, 55-day pace to maturity, Mottistone rewards home gardeners with a generous harvest and an elegant, showy look in the row.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Apr 17th |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 15th |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 9th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 1st |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 55 |
| Sun Requirements | Part Sun |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Surface |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 6 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
During the main growing phase, how often should I water Lactuca sativa so it stays crisp and doesn’t go bitter?
For Lactuca sativa, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist, not soggy, to support steady leaf growth and prevent tip-burn and bitterness. In warm weather, this usually means watering deeply 2–4 times per week, increasing frequency if the soil dries quickly under part-sun conditions. Mulch lightly after plants establish to reduce moisture swings, because lettuce reacts fast to drying out.
How can I tell when mottistone lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when heads/leaves reach their expected size for your spacing and the leaves are firm and fully colored, typically around 55 days from sowing. For leaf harvest, pick outer leaves when they’re large enough to eat and leave the center to continue producing. If you see rapid stem elongation (bolting) or the leaves become noticeably more bitter and loose, harvest immediately.