Red Sails

Lettuce

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Rosette

Crisp, ocean-bright leaves unfurl in airy rosettes, with a vivid red sail of color rising over cool green ribs. Red Sails deliver…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 12th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 2nd
Harvest Begins	Mar 29th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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)	6

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest most commonly affects Lactuca sativa (red leaf lettuce) like “Red Sails,” and how do I control it?

A frequent problem is downy mildew (often starting as pale yellow patches on leaves with gray-violet growth underneath). Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves when watering, then remove infected outer leaves; if it spreads, use an appropriate labeled fungicide for lettuce mildew and start rotating to a fresh bed to reduce recurrence.

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I keep?

Keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially from about week 2 until harvest around day 55. In warm spells, this usually means watering lightly enough to prevent the root zone from drying out—aim for the top 1 inch to remain slightly damp; if lettuce leaves look limp by afternoon, increase frequency rather than volume.

How can I tell when Lactuca sativa “Red Sails” is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads/rosettes are fully formed for the variety and leaves feel crisp and firm rather than floppy, typically around 55 days from sowing. For best flavor, pick in the morning and harvest before the plant bolts—early signs include rapid vertical growth and a tougher, more bitter leaf taste.

Crisp, ocean-bright leaves unfurl in airy rosettes, with a vivid red sail of color rising over cool green ribs. Red Sails delivers tender, sweet-leaning crunch and a delicate, ruffled texture that stays pleasantly crisp as temperatures settle. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, it also shines when used to build leafy bowls and quick tosses of flavor-ready greens.

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

For best color and sweetness, grow Red Sails lettuce in cool weather and transplant into evenly moist soil just as nights warm and frosts are unlikely.