Freckles

Lettuce

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Rosette

Feel the first crunch of Freckles—summer crisp lettuce with a lively, freckled charm and a cool, fresh bite. Its tender, ruffled …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 6th
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	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and how do I manage it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails, which are common on lettuce—especially during warm, humid spells. Spray a strong jet of water to knock off aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed; hand-pick slugs at dusk and set beer traps or copper barriers around beds. If you see powdery white patches (powdery mildew) or gray, wet spots (botrytis), remove affected leaves immediately and improve airflow by thinning plants to their labeled spacing.

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

During the 6–8 weeks of active leaf growth, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase frequency to 2–3 times per week in hot weather to prevent bitter, stressed leaves. Mulch lightly to reduce surface drying, which helps lettuce stay tender.

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

Harvest when heads/rosettes are firm for the size you’re growing, typically around 60 days after sowing for many types of Lactuca sativa. For loose-leaf lettuce, pick outer leaves when they reach a usable size (about 4–6 inches) and leave the inner leaves to keep growing. If leaves start tasting very bitter or go to seed, harvest immediately—lettuce quality drops fast once it bolts.

Feel the first crunch of Freckles—summer crisp lettuce with a lively, freckled charm and a cool, fresh bite. Its tender, ruffled leaves form a compact rosette, delivering a bright, clean flavor that shines in fresh salads and makes a beautiful, garden-to-bowl centerpiece. Grow Freckles for a steady harvest window and a crisp texture that stays satisfying from first picking to the next.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

Start early for loose heads, keep soil evenly moist, and avoid transplanting into cold wet ground—heat tolerance improves once plants are established.