Growing Non-GMO Ithaca Crisphead Lettuce Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Ithaca Crisphead Lettuce from Seed
Ithaca crisphead lettuce seeds are a cool hardy favorite performing just as vigorously when sown direct as when transplanted. For earliest starts, begin indoors 4-6 weeks before final frost. Plant 2-3 Ithaca lettuce seeds 1/4" deep and 2" apart in Organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days, thinning back to 1 plant every 4 in the garden. Harvest large outer leaves while allowing smaller leaves to continue to mature.
Make sure to allow enough space between seeds for the lettuce to grow, as overcrowding can cause the lettuce to have a bitter taste. Firm the soil lightly. While growing, keep the soil well watered. Harvest between 60 and 70 days after planting, and before flowers appear, to ensure the lettuce doesn't become too mature.
Ithaca Crisphead Lettuce in the Vegetable Garden
Lettuce is one of the most versatile seeds in the world as it is a choice variety for sprouting, microgreens, hydroponics, aquaponics, and indoor container gardening. Quick to maturity and easy to grow anywhere, countless varieties of lettuce have been specifically cultivated to thrive from cold northern gardens all the way down to the desolate Arizona heat.
Ithaca Crisphead Lettuce is an annual, and it grows best in cooler areas. Although it is very hardy, it needs extra shade, or the leaves need to be misted in the hottest climates with the most sun. It warm climates it can be planted in the late summer for spring harvest. This lettuce is great for salad, and the leaves can be picked when small as baby greens or later in the season for larger, firmer leaves.
Whether romaine, iceberg, butter, or leaf head, lettuce is available in savory redleaf or classic tender greenleaf.
Harvesting Ithaca Crisphead Lettuce
Most varieties of lettuce can be harvested 45-60 days after sowing or once the younger outer leaves have reached 4-5" long as a "cut and come again" crop. Harvest leaves when young and tender for best flavor since leaves bitter with maturity. Heads may be harvested whole, roots and all, or just be cut at the base while leaving behind an inch to the rooted stem.
Garden fresh lettuce stores well cold in a plastic bag for 7-10 days. Do not store near apples or bananas.
