Romaine Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Characteristics

Romaine Lettuce, also known as cos lettuce, is a popular type of lettuce with long, sturdy leaves that have a crisp texture and mild flavor. It’s highly valued for its versatility in salads, wraps, and sandwiches, and is commonly used in Caesar salads. Romaine is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. Like most lettuces, it is low in calories but nutrient-dense, making it a healthy choice for various diets. Romaine contains a high water content, which helps keep the body hydrated.

Culture

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
• Water: needs consistent moisture to grow tender, crisp leaves. Water regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid waterlogging, but don’t let the soil dry out between waterings
• Fertilizer: Lettuce benefits from nitrogen-rich soil, so incorporating a balanced fertilizer or organic amendment before planting can encourage healthy growth.
• Mulch: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool, especially during warmer weather.

Pest & Disease Management

• Aphids: Aphids can be a common problem for lettuce. Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to remove them from the leaves.
• Slugs: Slugs love to feed on lettuce, particularly in cool, moist conditions. Use organic slug traps, diatomaceous earth, or copper tape to keep slugs at bay.
• Downy Mildew: Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew.
• Bolting: In hot weather, romaine lettuce may bolt (go to seed), which causes the leaves to become bitter. To prevent bolting, grow romaine in the cooler parts of the growing season or provide shade during hot spells.

Tips for Growth / Harvest

• Cut-and-Come-Again: You can harvest individual outer leaves of Romaine Lettuce as needed for a continuous harvest. This allows the plant to keep producing new leaves.
• Harvesting the Whole Head: For full heads of romaine, wait until the plant forms a firm head, then cut it at the base of the plant.
• For the best flavor and texture, harvest in the early morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture.
• If you are growing romaine in the fall, wait for light frosts to sweeten the leaves before harvesting.

• Good Companions: carrots, radishes, onions, and herbs like parsley and dill.
• Bad Companions: Avoid planting romaine near members of the brassica family