Buttercrunch Butterhead Lettuce Seeds

Sowing: Buttercrunch Butterhead lettuce seeds thrive in cooler temperatures, so the initial crop can be directly sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 1.7 degrees Celsius, or as soon as the soil is workable. If the soil temperature exceeds 23.9 degrees Celsius, the seeds may become dormant. Plant the seeds directly in rich soil and full sun, spreading them thinly in rows spaced 30-60 centimeters apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to a distance of 20-30 centimeters. To ensure a continuous harvest, successive crops can be planted every 2 weeks throughout the season, particularly in regions with cool summers or mild winters. For companion planting benefits, consider growing lettuce alongside onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

Growing: Lettuce, with its shallow roots, requires consistent moisture to maintain its tender and sweet flavor; ensure the soil remains evenly moist. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Buttercrunch lettuce demonstrates good heat resistance.

Buttercrunch lettuce retains its crisp sweetness best when harvested in the morning. For microgreens, harvest the entire plant above the soil surface when it reaches a height of 5-7.6 centimeters. Throughout the season, outer leaves can be harvested until the main stem begins to elongate, signaling the onset of bitterness. When mature, harvest the entire plant by cutting it just above the soil surface; while lettuce tastes best when fresh, it can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately a week.

As the days lengthen in summer, the lettuce may begin to bolt, producing a flowering stalk. To ensure the selection of favorable traits, collect seeds from plants that exhibit slower bolting tendencies. Once the stalk flowers and forms pods, wait until the pods turn light brown and split open. To prevent seed loss, collect seeds daily by shaking the stalk head into a bag. Alternatively, some seed savers opt to remove the entire plant when the majority of pods are ready for harvest, hanging it upside down in a protected area to dry. Extract the bibb lettuce seeds from the pods by shaking or crushing them. The seeds may have white "feathers" that can be removed by rubbing them on a fine mesh screen. Store Buttercrunch Butterhead lettuce seeds in a cool, dry place for 2-3 years.

Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor
Blooming Season: Buttercrunch Lettuce is a leafy green, and it doesn't produce showy blooms like some other plants. Instead, its primary focus is on producing lush and tender leaves. For the best quality and flavor, harvest the leaves before the plant begins to bolt or produce flowers. This focus on leaf production makes Buttercrunch Lettuce a reliable and delicious addition to Canadian gardens throughout the growing season.
Planting Season: Spring, Fall
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Lactuca sativa var. capitata/ 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 15-20 cm
Shelf Life After Test Date: The shelf life of Buttercrunch Lettuce after the test date is relatively short. For optimal freshness and quality, it is recommended to consume the lettuce within 7-10 days after purchase or the indicated test date. After this period, the leaves may start to wilt or lose their crisp texture. Proper storage in the refrigerator, particularly in the crisper drawer, can help extend the shelf life, but it's advisable to use Buttercrunch Lettuce promptly for the best taste and nutritional value.
Seed Type: Open-Pollinated, Heirloom
Soil Type: Loam Soil