Lactuca sativa 'Oakleaf'
vegetableA loose-leaf lettuce with deeply lobed leaves resembling oak leaves. Tender, mildly sweet, and extremely heat-tolerant compared to other lettuce types. An ideal cut-and-come-again variety — harvest outer leaves repeatedly for weeks without removing the whole plant. Available in green and red forms.
Sun
partial shade
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~50 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
6-8 in (leaf harvest) or 10-12 in (head)
Planting Depth
1/8 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, moist
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting with compost; light nitrogen side-dress every 3 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer or composted manure; moderate nitrogen for tender growth
Direct sow 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or succession-sow every 3 weeks through spring. Tolerates light frost. In summer, sow in partial shade to extend the season. Thin to 6 to 8 inches for full heads or grow densely (2 to 3 inches) for baby leaf harvests. Water consistently to prevent bitterness. Bolts in hot weather but more slowly than most lettuces.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 18
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 21
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 18
Projected first harvest
Oct 7
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Water spray; insecticidal soap; plant chives and garlic nearby as deterrents
Diatomaceous earth around plants; beer traps; handpick at night after rain
Row cover through vulnerable seedling stage; reflective silver mulch
Caused by calcium deficiency in inner leaves during heat; ensure consistent watering and good air circulation
Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 4 to 6 inches. Always leave the center growing point intact for regrowth. A single plant can produce 3 to 4 harvests over 6 to 8 weeks this way. For full heads, harvest when the plant is 6 to 8 inches across. Wash and dry thoroughly; refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to 1 week.
Good source of vitamins A and K, folate, and potassium. Red oakleaf varieties have higher anthocyanin content. Very low in calories with high water content.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting