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
Feb 25
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