lettuce (semi-cos) 'Winter Density'
lettuce (semi-cos) or Lactuca sativa 'Winter Density'
The very best lettuce variety for growing during the coldest months of the year, as it's extremely hardy and resilient. It's a semi-cos type, with the solid, dark green hearts held lower to the ground than most cos types but well wrapped in outer leaves for protection. The flavour of 'Winter Density' is sweet and fresh – a real winter treat.
How to care for lettuce Winter Density:
Plant out in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent bolting and bitterness. Protect young plants from frost with cloches or fleece, and thin them to around 20-25cm (8-10in) apart for good airflow.
Harvest outer leaves as needed for a continuous supply, or cut the whole head when mature; for spring crops, harvesting in the cooler mornings keeps leaves crisp and sweet. Rotate with other crops to reduce disease risk and watch for slugs in damp conditions.
Harvest outer leaves as needed for a continuous supply, or cut the whole head when mature; for spring crops, harvesting in the cooler mornings keeps leaves crisp and sweet. Rotate with other crops to reduce disease risk and watch for slugs in damp conditions.
Sowing instructions:
Early in the season sow into trays or modules in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. Thin seedlings to 5cm (2in) apart and harden off before planting allowing 30cm (12in) between plants.
Later in the season sow direct where they are to grow in shallow drills. Protect from slugs and cover early and late sowings with a cloche. A late sowing made in August in a coldframe or in the greenhouse borders will grow on right through winter.
Later in the season sow direct where they are to grow in shallow drills. Protect from slugs and cover early and late sowings with a cloche. A late sowing made in August in a coldframe or in the greenhouse borders will grow on right through winter.
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 1400 seeds
£2.49
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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