What are the sun requirements for Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density'?

Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density' requires Part Sun.

How much water does Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density' need?

Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density' has Medium water needs.

Vegetables

Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density'

Winter Density Lettuce

Asteraceae

Open-pollinated heirloom (English origin); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height8-10 inches (20-25 cm)

Width5-7 inches (13-18 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

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). 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

Identified by a compact upright dense head 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) with thick-textured smooth medium to dark green leaves. Semi-cos type: smaller and denser than a full romaine, more upright and crunchy than a butterhead. The compact dense form and the cold hardiness are diagnostic. In Asteraceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 10"

Width/Spread5" - 7"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

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; undesirable

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green outer leaves transitioning to pale yellow-green centers; thick textured, smooth, slightly savoyed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-85 days from seed to mature head; 30-35 days for baby leaf

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.