Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density'
winter density lettuce
Open-pollinated heirloom (English origin); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density' is Winter Density lettuce (semi-cos lettuce), a semi-cos (romaine-butterhead cross) annual forming a compact upright dense head 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall and 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) wide. Medium to dark green thick-textured smooth leaves with pale yellow-green centers. In the daisy family (Asteraceae spp.). Open-pollinated heirloom (English origin). Seed can be saved. Semi-cos type: intermediate between romaine (tall upright) and butterhead (loose soft) — the compact dense head combines romaine's crunch with butterhead's tenderness. The cold-hardiest romaine-type lettuce: withstands temperatures to 20°F (-7°C) with row cover protection. Overwinters in zones 6-9. Fall-sow 10-12 weeks before first hard frost for overwintering. Bolts in sustained heat above 75°F (24°C) — the primary limitation in warm climates. The small head size — 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) wide — is a trade-off for the cold hardiness and the dense compact form. 60-85 days to mature head, 30-35 days for baby leaf. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Slugs are the primary pest. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Part sun to full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated heirloom (English origin). 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). Semi-cos lettuce — overwinters in zones 6-9. The cold-hardiest romaine-type. Open-pollinated heirloom. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 10"
Width/Spread5" - 7"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat — small yellow composite flowers (daisy family). Bolting makes leaves bitter. Pull the plant when the bolting stalk appears.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Small yellow, daisy-family composite — only if allowed to bolt; undesirableFoliage Description
Medium to dark green outer leaves transitioning to pale yellow-green centers; thick textured, smooth, slightly savoyedGrowing 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. Fall-sow for overwintering (10-12 weeks before first hard frost). The cold-hardiest romaine-type — overwinters in zones 6-9. Bolts above 75 degrees F (24 degrees C). Succession-sow. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Slugs. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest the entire head 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.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
Late summer to early fall 10-12 weeks before first hard frost; also spring 2-4 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches