Lettuce Red Oakleaf
$4.49
Lactuca Sativa
- Seed Count 500
- Loose Leaf Variety
- Annual
In stock
Description
Lettuce Red Oakleaf is known for its incredibly sweet and mellow flavour, that is nutty with a buttery texture. It looks beautiful on the plate with burgundy-red stained, loosely serrated leaves similar to the leaves of an oak tree.
This loose leaf lettuce forms semi-tight rosettes at it’s core and it is fairly heat resistant but exceptionally vigorous in cooler weather. It makes a good choice for baby leaf production
This ‘Cutting’ lettuce can be cut whole about 3cm above the stem or the leaves can be picked individually. In both cases they will regrow.
Related Article: Lettuce Begin
| Method: Raise seedlings | Soil Temp: 8°C - 27°C |
| Cool Mountain: Aug - May | Position: Full sun to part shade |
| Arid: Oct - May | Row Spacing: 30 cm apart |
| Temperate: Jan - Dec | Planting Depth: 5 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Jan - Dec | Harvest: 60 days |
| Tropical: Apr - Jun | Plant Height: 30cm |
Soil Preparation
Soil Type:
- Well draining, rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.0).
Amendments:
- Mix in compost or aged manure. Use raised beds in wet areas.
Fertiliser:
- Apply balanced fertiliser pre planting.
Planting Seeds
Depth:
- 5mm deep.
Spacing:
- 30cm apart.
Method:
- Direct sow or start indoors in trays for early crops.
- Thin seedlings to avoid crowding.
Care Tips
Watering:
- Keep soil moist; water morning to prevent mildew.
- Drip irrigation recommended.
Mulching:
- Use straw or sugar cane mulch to retain moisture.
Feeding:
- Side dress with nitrogen rich fertiliser (e.g., fish emulsion) 3 weeks post planting.
Pests & Diseases
Pests:
- Aphids spray with soapy water.
- Slugs/snails use beer traps.
Diseases:
- Downy mildew avoid overhead watering.
Prevention:
- Rotate crops annually and avoid planting in brassica beds.
Harvesting
Leaf Varieties:
- Harvest outer leaves at 4–6 weeks; “cut and come again.”
Head Varieties:
- Harvest whole head when firm (8–12 weeks).
Tip:
- Harvest in the morning for crispness.
Storing
- Rinse, dry, wrap in damp cloth, and refrigerate.
- Consume within 1–2 weeks.
Companion Planting Guide
Good Companion:
- Carrots will loosen soil.
- Radishes will be a trap crop for flea beetles.
- Dill/Coriander will attract beneficial insects (e.g., ladybirds).
- Marigolds will deter nematodes and aphids.
- Onions/Garlic will repel slugs and aphids.
- Nasturtiums will trap aphids.
Avoid planting with:
- Cabbage family as will compete for nutrients.
- Fennel which inhibits lettuce growth.
Key Tip
- Interplant fast growing radishes between lettuce rows for space efficiency.
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