Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 30cm |
20cm | Min | 20cm |
2 months to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
Lettuce 'Winter Density' Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density' is a semi cos variety that forms compact heads of dark green leaves. Lettuce 'Winter Density' is can be grown all year; however, as the name suggests, it is ideal for autumn sowings as it needs cooler temperatures to germinate. In summer they should be ready to harvest within 55 to 65 days. Autumn sown plants will be ready between March and May the following year. L. 'Winter Density' will benefit from protection with a cloche or cold frame during periods of heavy frost
Common problems with Lettuce 'Winter Density'
Lettuce can be bothered by aphids. Minor infestations can be washed off and heavier populations can be controlled by growing nasturtiums as trap plant near your lettuce. Look out for diseases like rots and remove as soon as spotted.
Lettuce 'Winter Density' Companion Plants
How to harvest Lettuce 'Winter Density'
Butterhead lettuces can be picked 60-70 days after sowing and are ready to harvest when the head of the lettuce is firm when gently pressed. Stop harvesting when a central stem starts to form. This means that the plant is getting ready to flower or bolt, turning the leaves bitter.
How to propagate Lettuce 'Winter Density'
Seed
Between August and October, thinly, direct sow seeds 6-12 mm deep and 20-30 cm apart in a prepared bed. Germination takes 7-14 days. replant or thin when they are big enough to handle.
Special features of Lettuce 'Winter Density'
Pot plant
Can be grown in a container provided they are wide enough.
Crop rotation
Lettuce 'Winter Density' is a medium feeder and needs a moderate amount of nutrients and when crops are rotated, avoid planting radicchio, endive, escarole or artichoke in that area.
Other uses of Lettuce 'Winter Density'
Edible
The leaves and stems are edible and are great eaten raw in salads.
Medicinal
Rich in vitamins A, B and C, minerals like Magnesium and Potassium and almost as much Calcium as milk!
Veg to Sow Outside in October
In vegetable beds, at the allotment or in the kitchen garden, sow these now to grow over the cooler winter months.
Salad: autumn sown varieites
These tasty leaves can be sown outdoors in September and under-cover over winter
