Red Buttercos

Lettuce

50d to harvest

Velvety, butter-soft leaves unfurl in a compact rosette, colored a rich garnet-red that deepens toward the outer folds. Red Buttercos forms a tender, spoonable heart with a mild, sweet crunch—ideal for fresh salads and elegant garnishes, and it shines when lightly dressed or layered in cool-season platters. At about 50 days, it’s a satisfying choice for gardeners who want a showy, garden-fresh butterhead with a delicate texture and refreshing flavor.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 15th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 13th
Harvest Begins	Jul 2nd
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Yellowstone Carrot

Texas Early Grano Onion

Chinese Red Radish

Carrot Carrot

Rattail Radish Radish

Carmen F1 Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Lactuca sativa (red butterhead type), and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails on tender lettuce leaves, especially in warm, humid stretches. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray and remove heavily infested leaves; for slugs, hand-pick at dusk and use a copper barrier or iron-phosphate bait where it can’t reach pets. Also keep airflow up and water at soil level to reduce risk of fungal leaf spots and downy mildew in dense stands.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase?

During head/leaf expansion (after seedlings establish), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings in hot weather. Lettuce in Asteraceae will get bitter and bolt faster if it dries out, so aim for consistently damp soil 1–2 inches down rather than letting it swing dry-to-wet. Mulch helps stabilize moisture around the plants.