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
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Mar 13th |
| Last Frost | Apr 10th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Apr 10th |
| Harvest Begins | Jun 19th |
| Harvest Ends | Oct 28th |
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
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.
How do I tell when Valmaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when heads/rosettes reach their expected size for your spacing and the outer leaves are fully expanded with crisp texture. For leaf lettuce types, start picking outer leaves once they’re large enough to use and still tender, usually around 60–70 days from sowing; avoid waiting until the plant bolts. If you see a central flower stalk forming or leaves turn very bitter, harvest immediately to prevent further quality loss.