Lettuce Cimarron Red Romaine (Lactuca sativa) is a striking heirloom variety known for its deep red-bronze leaves and crisp, upright growth. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and excellent heat resistance compared to other romaine varieties. This beautiful lettuce is perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps, offering both visual appeal and great taste.

How to Grow Cimarron Red Romaine Lettuce

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last frost in early spring.
  • In mild climates, sow in late summer for a fall harvest.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6–8 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

• Starting Indoors:

  • Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest.
  • Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 40°F.

Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Enrich soil with compost or aged manure for healthy growth.

Sunlight:

• Requires full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
• Partial shade helps prevent bolting in warmer climates.

Growing Cimarron Red Romaine Lettuce

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water 1–1.5 inches per week, increasing in dry conditions.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching:

• Apply a light layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting.
• Apply a side dressing of compost or nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage leafy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and leaf miners—use neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or row covers for protection.
• Diseases: Ensure good air circulation to prevent downy mildew and lettuce rot.
• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Fast Facts

• Latin Name: Lactuca sativa
• Type: Cool-Season Annual
• USDA Zones: 4–9 (spring and fall), 10–12 (winter growing)
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Maturity: 50–65 days
• Height: 10–12 inches
• Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Deep Red-Bronze Leaves with Green Undersides
• Growth Habit: Upright, Romaine-Type

How and When to Harvest Cimarron Red Romaine Lettuce

• Harvest outer leaves when they reach 6 inches tall for a continuous harvest (about 30–40 days).
• For full heads, harvest at 50–65 days by cutting at the base.
• Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest window.
• Store harvested leaves in a cool, moist place to maintain freshness.

Cimarron Red Romaine Lettuce Seed Saving

• Allow some plants to bolt (flower and go to seed) in warm weather.
• Once seed heads dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.
• Lettuce is mostly self-pollinating, making seed saving easy for future plantings.

Cimarron Red Romaine Lettuce is a vibrant, crisp, and easy-to-grow variety that adds both beauty and flavor to any garden. With its excellent heat tolerance and rich red color, it's a perfect choice for home growers looking for delicious and visually striking greens! 🥬🌱