Cherokee

Lettuce

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Rosette

Sink your senses into Cherokee’s crisp, cool crunch—heads form with a lush, inviting texture and a fresh, gently sweet flavor tha…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	May 5th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Lactuca sativa (leaf lettuce) like “Cherokee,” and how do I manage it?

Watch for aphids and slugs on tender leaves—aphids cluster on new growth, while slugs chew irregular holes at night. Rinse aphids off with a strong jet of water and release ladybugs or use insecticidal soap (especially on underside leaf surfaces). For slugs, set beer traps or use copper tape around beds and remove debris where slugs hide to reduce repeat damage.

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

During active leaf production, keep the root zone evenly moist but not soggy—aim for top 1 inch of soil to stay consistently damp. In typical home gardens, that often means watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing to 2–3 times during hot, drying weather. If lettuce wilts midday and perks up in the evening, water frequency is too low; if leaves stay limp and soil smells sour, you’re likely overwatering.

How can I tell when Cherokee leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is ready to harvest?

Begin harvesting at around day 45 for baby leaves, and at about day 60 for fully sized leaves. Pick outer leaves when they are firm and reach the size you want, leaving the center to regrow for multiple harvests. Stop harvesting whole plants if you see early bolting signs (rapid stem elongation and bitter-tasting leaves), because quality drops quickly.

Sink your senses into Cherokee’s crisp, cool crunch—heads form with a lush, inviting texture and a fresh, gently sweet flavor that feels bright from the first bite. Batavian style brings a satisfying firmness with ruffled, tender leaves that hold their shape beautifully, making Cherokee a standout for garden-to-table freshness and quick, vibrant salads.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For Cherokee Summer Crisp, prioritize consistent moisture and sow/transplant when nights are at least cool-tolerant (avoid prolonged heat spikes by using shade cloth during the hottest weeks).