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JNB Seed

Freckles Romaine Lettuce Seeds

Freckles Romaine Lettuce Seeds

Regular price $11.99 CAD
Regular price Sale price $11.99 CAD
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The vivid crimson streaks adorning its leaves make this lettuce a standout choice in any garden. Renowned for its exceptional heat resistance, it rarely bolts, ensuring a prolonged harvest season. Whether harvested young for delicate baby leaves or allowed to mature into full-sized heads, it adds a vibrant touch to salads that's hard to miss.

Freckles heirloom lettuce, originally dubbed "Forellenschluss" in German, which translates to "speckled like a trout's back," originates from Austria and Southern Germany in the late 18th century. While wild lettuce, the ancestor of modern varieties, traces its roots back to Asia Minor. Notably, the ancient historian Herodotus mentions its presence on the tables of Persian kings in the 6th century, marking its popularity across Europe in subsequent centuries. Columbus is credited with introducing it to the New World, catalyzing its widespread cultivation across North America. Today, lettuce has become a staple in gardens worldwide.

The term "romaine" derives from the Latin phrase "romanus giganteus," signifying a "giant leaf of Rome." Coined by horticulturist Peter Henderson in 1824, this variety of lettuce features butterhead leaves resembling oak leaves, with hues ranging from verdant green to deep crimson or burgundy, depending on maturity and type.

How To Grow

Sowing: Freckles romaine lettuce seeds thrive in cool conditions, so the initial planting can commence when the soil temperature reaches at least 2 degrees Celsius, or as soon as the soil is workable. If temperatures soar above 24 degrees Celsius, the seeds may enter a dormant state. Directly sow the seeds in well-nourished soil under full sunlight, ensuring they are spread thinly in rows spaced 30-60 centimeters apart. As the seedlings emerge, thin them to maintain a distance of 25-30 centimeters between plants. To ensure a continuous harvest, consider planting successive crops every 2 weeks throughout the season, particularly in regions with cool summers or mild winters. For optimal companion planting benefits, consider growing lettuce alongside onions, cucumbers, or carrots.

Growing: Due to its shallow root system, heirloom romaine lettuce requires consistent moisture to remain tender and flavorful; thus, it's essential to keep the soil uniformly moist. Applying a layer of mulch aids in retaining moisture levels and suppressing weed growth.

Harvesting

To maintain its optimal crispness and sweetness, lettuce is best harvested during the morning hours. For microgreens, when the plants reach a height of 5-7.5 centimeters, cut the entire plant above the soil surface. In favorable weather conditions, many lettuce varieties can regrow for a second or even a third crop after the initial harvest. Continuously harvest lettuce leaves throughout the growing season until the main stem begins to elongate, signaling a potential increase in bitterness. When harvesting mature lettuce plants, trim them just above the soil surface. While lettuce is most flavorful when freshly harvested, it can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately one week. Freckles lettuce is renowned for its high iron content and abundance of other beneficial minerals.

Seed Saving

As the summer days lengthen, lettuce plants may bolt, sending up a stalk. To ensure the selection of desirable traits, focus on gathering seeds from plants that exhibit slow bolting tendencies. Once the stalks flower and develop pods, these pods will gradually turn light brown and split open. To prevent seed loss, it's recommended to daily shake the stalk heads into a bag. Alternatively, some seed savers opt to uproot the entire plant when most of the pods are ripe, hanging it upside down in a sheltered area to dry. Extract the heirloom Freckles romaine lettuce seeds from the pods, either by shaking them out or by crushing the pods manually. The seeds typically feature white "feathers," which can be removed by rubbing them against a fine mesh screen. Store the Freckles romaine lettuce seeds in a cool, dry location for up to 2-3 years.

Extra Facts

Freckles Romaine Lettuce Seeds
Planting Methods: Direct sowing in well-nourished soil or starting indoors in seed trays for transplanting later.
Blooming Season: Lettuce typically doesn't bloom; it's grown for its leaves rather than flowers.
Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or late summer for cooler conditions, or in regions with mild winters.
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Lactuca sativa / USDA Zones 3-11.
Sunlight Required/Height: Requires full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day; height varies depending on variety but generally ranges from 20 to 30 centimeters.
Shelf Life After Test Date: Approximately 2-3 years when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Seed Type: Open-pollinated heirloom seeds.
Soil Type: Prefers well-draining loam soil but can tolerate various soil types including clay or sandy soil.

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