Lettuce Green Oakleaf (Lactuca sativa) is a tender, loose-leaf lettuce variety known for its deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves and mild, buttery flavor. Unlike heading lettuces, it forms a loose rosette of leaves that can be harvested continuously. It thrives in cool temperatures and resists bolting better than many other varieties, making it ideal for extended harvesting.

How to Grow Green Oakleaf Lettuce

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds directly in the garden 2–4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
  • In mild climates, sow again in late summer for a fall harvest.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin to 6–8 inches apart once seedlings emerge.

• Starting Indoors:

  • Start seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost for early transplanting.
  • 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 with compost or aged manure for optimal growth.

Sunlight:

• Requires full sun to partial shade, at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
• In hot weather, partial shade helps prevent bolting (going to seed too quickly).

Growing Green Oakleaf Lettuce

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Water 1–1.5 inches per week, increasing during 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 2–3 weeks to encourage lush leaf growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and leaf miners—use neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or row covers for protection.
• Diseases: Prevent downy mildew and root rot by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding excessive moisture.
• 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: 45–55 days
• Height: 6–12 inches
• Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Bright Green
• Growth Habit: Loose-leaf, non-heading

How and When to Harvest Green Oakleaf Lettuce

• Harvest outer leaves when they reach 4–6 inches long for a continuous harvest (around 30–40 days).
• For full heads, harvest at 45–55 days by cutting at the base.
• Picking leaves frequently encourages more growth and prolongs the season.
• Store harvested leaves in a cool, moist place for freshness.

Green Oakleaf 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 it easy to save seeds for future planting.

Green Oakleaf Lettuce is a tender, sweet, and easy-to-grow variety perfect for continuous harvesting. Whether grown in gardens, containers, or hydroponic setups, this lettuce provides delicious, homegrown greens all season long! 🥬🌱