Oakleaf
50d to harvest
Tender leaves unfurl like ruffled lace, with a crisp snap and a sweet, green-forward flavor that feels cool and clean from the first harvest. Oakleaf forms loose rosettes of oak-shaped foliage—deeply lobed, richly textured, and wonderfully steady in the garden—ideal for fresh, vibrant salads and quick tosses, as well as blending into leafy mixes and silky sauces.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Mar 13th |
| Last Frost | Apr 10th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Apr 10th |
| Harvest Begins | May 30th |
| Harvest Ends | Oct 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 50 |
| Sun Requirements | Part Sun |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Surface |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 40 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 40 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 5 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water oakleaf lettuce during the main growing phase?
Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist from emergence through harvest; lettuce roots dry out quickly and stress can trigger bitterness and bolting. In warm part-sun conditions, this usually means watering about 2–4 times per week, with deeper soakings so moisture reaches the root zone. Water in the morning and avoid waterlogged soil, since overly wet beds can encourage fungal leaf diseases.
How can I tell when oakleaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when heads/rosettes are well-formed for their size—typically around 50 days from sowing—and leaves are large enough for your preference without being overly mature. For leaf harvest, pick the outer leaves when they reach usable size and leave the center growing point intact. For whole-plant harvest, cut at the base when the plant has reached full, crisp leaf mass and before it starts to bolt (stems stretching upward).