Grow Romaine Lettuce

Romaine (also called cos) lettuce may be a tasty, popular sort of lettuce. Romaine grows in tall heads of sturdy leaves and is extremely heat tolerant. It gets its name from the Romans, who likely imported it from either Greece or (more likely) Arabia. it’s the first lettuce utilized in Caesar salads and is popular in many dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Nutritionally, Romaine has all of the advantages of most green, leafy foods. it’s filled with antioxidants also as trace minerals and fiber.

GROWING CONDITIONS FOR ROMAINE LETTUCE

Romaine requires 65-70 days to mature from seed. Although heat tolerant, Romaine grows best in cooler climes and prefers moisture-rich, well-drained soil. Giving the plants much water and good soil will speed growing. The faster Romaine grows, the crisper the leaves.

HOW TO PLANT ROMAINE LETTUCE

Romaine grows well in nearly all kinds of gardens if given enough sunlight and good soil. Romaine is often grown in pots, started indoors from seeds, or sown directly into the garden soil outdoors in traditional or raised beds. It’s recommended that the seeds be started indoors, however, as they transplant easily and can likely be healthier.

Plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart – more room generally means larger heads. If you started from seeds within the ground, thin the plants to match this spacing. Transplanting should be wiped out cool, cloudy weather or within the early evening therefore the transplants can overnight in cool conditions.

CARE OF ROMAINE LETTUCE

Once established, Romaine plants prefer cool weather and tons of moisture. Well-fertilized soil will mean faster-growing (and thus crisper) plants. Water regularly and sometimes, adjusting to your climate and conditions. The plants will get to be shielded from the pests which will attack them.

ROMAINE LETTUCE PESTS AND DISEASES

The primary pest for Romaine is that the rabbit and other plant-eating rodents. Slugs and a few insects also are susceptible to target lettuce over other foods. Lettuce absorbs pesticides readily, so avoid them if possible. Natural remedies like soap, diatomite, and similar tactics can alleviate most problems.

HARVESTING ROMAINE LETTUCE

Romaine is often picked whenever it’s large enough to use. Many gardeners peel off the outer leaves and permit the remainder of the plant to continue growing so as to increase the harvest. Before the primary frost or first really weather comes, harvest completely.

This can be wiped out one among two ways: pulling the plant all the answer of the bottom or cutting it at ground level to make ahead. Home gardeners should strongly consider pulling the plant up unless they need the roots to regrow into the messy, unorganized heads which will result. These are often useful cover crops but aren’t ideal.