Your comments and tips

02 Jun 17, Les (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I bought a lettuce called Cherokee from the Farmers' Market that was almost black. It had a good taste but I can't find anywhere that sells the seeds and the seller has not been back to the market since. Has anyone heard of this lettuce or knows where to buy the seeds?

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05 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

I searched for 'Cherokee lettuce seed' and came up with seed available on eBay. it is very dark red and the seed was available from Hong Kong I think. They do send to Australia and quoted around 3 weeks for delivery. Once you get it and grow some let a good specimen go to seed. Then you will have more to sow, share or sell.

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04 Jun 17, Sue (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

The darkest lettuce I know of is Lolla Rossa Darkness, it is actually a very deep red, loose leaf variety. The Seed Vault (www.theseedvault.co.za) has a picture of it as the main picture under lettuce. The only other one that it could possibly be is Red Oakleaf which is also quite dark. In my experience the better the soil the darker the colour presents on the lettuce (or deeper / brighter if it is a green lettuce).

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11 May 17, jicinta (Australia - temperate climate)

what are the ideal condtions to grow lettuce

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11 May 17, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)

Lettuces thrive in cooler zones. A good supply of old manure or compost will keep them moving and a consistent water supply is a must. Sowing the seed direct, as thinly as possible, will result in better lettuce but this may not always be practical. Watch for slugs as they love them and will hide in the base of the leaves. Sparrows can sometimes be a problem as well.

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22 Mar 17, Brooke (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Can I grow lettuce in freezing conditions that go to -10 degrees celcius?

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23 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Lettuces prefer cooler weather and can stand a light frost. If the frosts are heavy and continuous the freeze will cause the leaves to break down and become necrotic (rot). Butterhead and Romaine type lettuces will tolerate much cooler conditions than the other varieties. You ccould cover them with old towels, etc but prolonges frosts would stil cause damage. Try growing lettuce as micro-greens on cotton wool or paper towel in a tray dampened with water. You could grow them inside and harvest the little leaves by snipping with scissors. All the best.

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15 Mar 17, Nicki (Australia - temperate climate)

Can spinach and lettuce be grown in the same bed together?

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04 Mar 17, Bev Ayson (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

My lettuce are growing well except The round head is not forming. I have taken a piece of cotton and tied all the outer leaves lightly together and now I see the inside is forming nicely. What am I doing wrong.

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05 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Sorry you're having trouble with your lettuces. Check whether it is the right variety for the time of year. Unsuitable varieties for the time of year will often stay open and go to seed. Lettuces like cooler conditions generally but there are a number of varieties developed for the hotter months. Warer stress can also cause this even if it was in the punnet before purchase. Trust this helps, sorry I can't help you more.

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