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Lactuca sativa 'Red Sails'
red sails lettuce
Open-pollinated cultivar (AAS 1985); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Red Sails' is Red Sails lettuce (red leaf lettuce), a loose-leaf (non-heading) annual forming a low mounding rosette 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) wide. Broad ruffled leaves with frilly margins — green at the base transitioning to burgundy-red at tips and margins. The burgundy-red color is from anthocyanin pigments — intensifies in cool weather and full sun, fades in shade and heat. In the daisy family (Asteraceae spp.). Open-pollinated (AAS 1985 — All-America Selections winner). Seed can be saved. Loose-leaf type: no head formation — harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4 inches (10 cm). One of the more bolt-resistant red-leaf lettuces — holds longer than many red cultivars before bolting. Bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C) — the primary limitation. The red color fades in hot weather before bolting occurs. 45-55 days to full size, 25-30 days for baby leaf. Succession-sow every 2 weeks. Slugs are the primary pest. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Part sun to full sun. Annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar (AAS 1985). The species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L). Red loose-leaf lettuce — AAS 1985. Bolt-resistant. Open-pollinated. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread10" - 1'2"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat — yellow composite flowers (daisy family). Bolting makes leaves bitter. Pull the plant when the bolting stalk appears. One of the more bolt-resistant red-leaf cultivars.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, daisy-family composite — only if allowed to bolt; undesirableFoliage Description
Green at base transitioning to burgundy-red at tips and margins; the red color intensifies in cool weather and full sun; broad ruffled leaves with frilly marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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 pH 6.0-7.0. Cool-season crop — bolts above 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). Red color intensifies in cool weather and sun — fades in heat and shade. Succession-sow every 2 weeks. Open-pollinated (AAS 1985) — save seeds. Slugs. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4 inches (10 cm). Leave the central growing point intact. Pull the plant when bolting stalk appears — leaves become bitter. Succession-sow.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
2-4 weeks before last frost; succession-sow every 2 weeks through spring and again in late summer
Days to Maturity
45–55 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches