Lactuca, Genus, sativa, Species, 'Red Oak Leaf', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Red Oak Leaf Lettuce
Cultivar of garden origin; the species L. sativa is domesticated from L. serriola, native to the Mediterranean and western Asia
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Red Oak Leaf' is Red Oak Leaf lettuce, a loose-leaf annual forming a rosette 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) wide. Deeply lobed oak-leaf-shaped leaves with burgundy-red margins transitioning to deep green at the base — the red color deepens in cooler temperatures and with more sun exposure. The red pigments are anthocyanins. A loose-leaf type (does not form a head). In the daisy family (Asteraceae). One of the faster-maturing lettuces at 45-55 days from seed (baby leaf harvest at 25-30 days). More heat-tolerant than most lettuce cultivars — slower to bolt than butterhead and crisphead types. Cool-season crop but tolerates warmer conditions than 'Buttercrunch.' Sow early spring through fall — succession-sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Tolerates light frost to 28°F (-2°C). Cut-and-come-again on outer leaves, or harvest the full plant. The genus name Lactuca references the milky latex sap. Slugs, aphids, and rabbits are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun to partial shade. Annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Cultivar of garden origin. The species L. sativa is domesticated from L. serriola, native to the Mediterranean and western Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). The red oak-leaf shape adds color to salad mixes. More heat-tolerant than most lettuce. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread8" - 10"
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat above 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) — pale yellow composite flowers on a stalk. Bolting makes the leaves bitter. Flowering is undesirable. More heat-tolerant than most lettuce.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale yellow composite flowers on a bolting stalk — undesirableFoliage Description
Burgundy-red margins transitioning to deep green at the base; oak-leaf shaped (deeply lobed) with prominent light-colored midribs; the red color deepens in cooler temperatures and with more sun exposureGrowing 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
Full sun to partial shade. Moist rich soil pH 6.0-7.0. Cool-season crop — more heat-tolerant than butterhead types. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Tolerates light frost (28 degrees F / -2 degrees C). Slugs, aphids, rabbits. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 25-30 days, or harvest the full plant at 45-55 days. Remove the bolting stalk if it appears. Succession-sow for continuous supply.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Early spring through fall, avoiding sustained heat above 75 degrees F (24 degrees C). Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks.
Days to Maturity
45–55 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches
