Lactuca sativa 'Great Lakes'
great lakes lettuce
Open-pollinated cultivar (AAS 1944); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Great Lakes' is a crisphead (iceberg-type) annual lettuce in the family Asteraceae forming a tight firm round head 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) wide. The cultivar produces bright green outer leaves with pale green to white crisp interior and thick prominent white midribs. Open-pollinated and an All-America Selections winner in 1944. Seeds can be saved. Crisphead type forms a tight firm head like commercial iceberg lettuce. Maturity is 75-90 days from seed, longer than butterhead or romaine types and a limitation for short-season gardens. Head formation requires consistent cool temperatures of 60-70°F (16-21°C) and the cultivar fails to head in warm climates. Bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). The cultivar is more bolt-resistant than many crisphead cultivars. Succession-sown every 2-3 weeks. Slugs and aphids are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic edible crop. Annual with moderate growth rate.
Native Range
Lactuca sativa 'Great Lakes' is an open-pollinated cultivar; an All-America Selections winner in 1944. The species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) for culinary use: salads, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh eating. Crisphead (iceberg-type) lettuce. Open-pollinated heirloom and 1944 AAS winner. Succession-sown for continuous harvest. Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant. Annual. Maturity 75-90 days is longer than butterhead or romaine types. Not suited to warm summer climates without afternoon shade or to short-season gardens that cannot accommodate the 75-90 day cycle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat. Pale yellow composite flowers (daisy family) on bolting stalks. Bolting makes leaves bitter and plants are pulled when the bolting stalk appears.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale yellow; daisy-family composite; on bolting stalks onlyFoliage Description
Bright green outer leaves with pale green to white crisphead interior; thick-ribbed with prominent white midribs; deciduousGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun. Rich moist soil at pH 6.0-7.0. Cool-season crop and bolts above 80°F (27°C). Head formation requires 60-70°F (16-21°C). Succession-sown every 2-3 weeks. Open-pollinated and seeds can be saved (AAS 1944). Slugs and aphids are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest takes the entire head by cutting at the base when firm. Plants are pulled when the bolting stalk appears since leaves become bitter. Succession-sown every 2-3 weeks.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost; again in late summer for fall harvest
Days to Maturity
75–90 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches