Lactuca sativa 'Jericho Romaine'
Jericho Romaine Lettuce
Open-pollinated cultivar developed in Israel (Jericho region); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Jericho Romaine' is Jericho Romaine lettuce (heat-tolerant romaine), a romaine (cos-type) annual forming an upright elongated head 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall and 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) wide. Dark green thick-textured outer leaves with prominent white midribs and pale green to cream hearts. Slightly savoyed leaf surface. In the daisy family (Asteraceae). Open-pollinated cultivar developed in Israel (Jericho region) — selected for heat tolerance in desert conditions. Seed can be saved. The heat-tolerant romaine: bolts later than most romaine cultivars in warm conditions — tolerates sustained temperatures above 85°F (29°C) that cause other romaines to bolt. The leaves become slightly more bitter in sustained heat but remain edible longer than other romaine cultivars — a trade-off between heat tolerance and flavor. Romaine type: upright elongated head with crisp thick-ribbed leaves. 60-70 days to mature head, 30-35 days for baby leaf. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Slugs and aphids are primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar developed in Israel (Jericho region). 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). Heat-tolerant romaine — for warmer climates. Open-pollinated (Israeli origin). Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'2"
Width/Spread8" - 10"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat — yellow composite flowers (daisy family). Bolting makes leaves bitter. More bolt-resistant in warm conditions than most romaine cultivars.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, daisy-family composite — only if allowed to bolt; undesirableFoliage Description
Dark green outer leaves with pale green to cream hearts and prominent white midribs; thick textured, slightly savoyedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Full sun to partial shade. Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Heat-tolerant romaine — bolts later than most in warm conditions. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Leaves become slightly more bitter in sustained heat. Slugs and aphids. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest the entire head by cutting at the base, or harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again. Pull the plant when bolting stalk appears. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Early spring through fall; tolerates warmer sowing windows than most romaine types
Days to Maturity
60–70 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches