Crisp Mint Lettuce Guide

Let us rejoice for this heirloom tried-and-true salad staple. Its color may be mint, but its leaves are sweet and crunchy. Heads reach 10” making them a perfect romaine variety for small spaces and container gardening.

TO SOW

Crisp Mint lettuce grows best in cooler weather between 45°F-70°F. They do great in containers and small gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends direct seeding.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 2-3 weeks before last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 12-14 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 45°F-70°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the lettuce seeds indoors in trays or pods 6 weeks before the last frost date; it does not require extra heat to germinate. Germination is best and fastest between 40°F-70°F. It can be transplanted outside 6 weeks later.

Sow 2-3 seeds 1/8th of an inch deep and 12-14 inches apart with rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Germination will take 7-14 days.  Sow more seeds every 3 weeks for continuous harvesting.

TO GROW

Lettuce likes well-draining and well-worked soil rich in organic matter. They also like partial shade and cool growing conditions but will tolerate full sun. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist and do not let the soil dry out for long.  Check the top 1-2 inches of soil and if it is dry, then water it.

Apply mulch to the top of soil to retain moisture, regulate temperature and deter weeds. No additional fertilizer is required but if you want, add aged compost or all-purpose fertilizer like 10-10-10 to the top of the soil.

TO REAP

Crisp Mint lettuce is full grown in 60-65 days. Cut leaves as needed as soon as they start forming or wait until full maturity to cut the whole head of romaine lettuce. Harvesting in the morning when it is cool outside is recommended.

PESTS/DISEASES

Aphids, cutworms, leaf miners, cabbage loopers, slugs, snails – hand pick off, neem oil, insecticidal spray, plant collar or row covers, spray with pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

*Plant lettuce with basil, dill, cilantro, thyme, sage, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and strawberries. Avoid planting with members of the brassica family such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. *