Head of Gustav&
Tender delicious Gustav&
A bowl of Gustav&
A bowl of Gustav&
Head of Gustav&
Tender delicious Gustav&
A bowl of Gustav&
A bowl of Gustav&

Lettuce Seeds,
Gustav's Salad

525 ReviewsSKU: #LT138Min. seed count: 250
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Description

(Lactuca sativa) Bibb/Butterhead. A highly refined, gourmet butterhead with a down-home back story. This compact, silky soft lettuce is excellent in so many dishes. A butterhead better than any we have tried, this is a new staple in the salad garden or on your farm, reliable and next-level eating quality. This heirloom was grown by a local man in the Dutch isles. He was known to deliver his signature lettuce variety in the basket of his bicycle, and he offered it in his small town for over 40 years. We are grateful that this man always allowed a small portion of the lettuce patch to go to seed so he could preserve the variety.

Growing Tips: Gustav's Salad lettuce thrives best in 60-80 F weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting. For optimal growth, plant in full sun to partial shade, 4-8 hours of sun daily, ensuring the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and maintain a stable soil temperature, which is particularly important to prevent bolting during warmer weather.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Lactuca sativa
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
4–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
50
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Gustav's Salad lettuce can be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, ensuring they are hardened off properly. For a fall harvest, start seeds in late summer. This variety is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-11, making it quite versatile. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden, spacing the rows about 12 inches apart. Sow in thick bands for baby greens or space 8 inches apart for head lettuce. For continuous harvests, sow seeds every two weeks. In areas with high bird activity, consider using netting to protect the seeds. It’s beneficial to water the soil thoroughly before sowing, especially on hot days, to enhance germination rates​​.

How to Grow

Maintaining soil fertility is key to thriving lettuce. Use a balanced fertilizer, preferably one high in nitrogen, such as fish emulsion or composted manure. Regularly check for pests like aphids and slugs, and apply organic pest control methods if needed. Harvest the outer leaves as needed or cut the entire head at maturity, around 50 days after planting. Providing shade during peak summer heat can help prevent bolting and ensure tender leaves​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Lettuce is a self-pollinating annual, making it an easy crop for seed saving.
  • Choose the best and healthiest plants and allow them to send up flower stalks.
  • Once seed heads are dried and have turned a yellowish-tan color, cut the entire stalk and place in a bag.
  • Crush the seed heads in the bag and separate the chaff.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 years.

FAQ

How often should I water Gustav's Salad lettuce?

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, about 1 inch per week. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely as this can lead to bitterness and bolting.

What is the best soil pH for Gustav's Salad lettuce?

Lettuce prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0-6.8. Ensuring the soil is well-amended with compost will also support healthy growth.

Can Gustav's Salad lettuce be grown in containers?

Yes, lettuce in general is very suitable for growing in containers. Use a pot that is at least 6 inches deep with good drainage. Position the container in a sunny spot and ensure regular watering.

Browse our full range of lettuce seeds.
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