200+ Grand Rapids Organic Lettuce Seeds -A171- Heirloom Variety-Lactuta Sativa- Organic (Non GMO) Highly Delicious!

200+ Grand Rapids Organic Lettuce Seeds -A171- Heirloom Variety-Lactuta Sativa- Organic (Non GMO)

This is an excellent variety for cut and grow again multiple harvests. You can also successfully grow a continuous supply of Grand Rapids outside of the normal growing season by using a cold-frame, light garden or even sunny window! Soil-less (peat moss based) potting soils work best for indoor growing. Use water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks to promote strong growth.  The ruling Monarch of the leaf lettuce family since its introduction in the late 1800’s! Crispy, succulent, light green leaves are lightly crinkled and possess a fine delicate taste.

Growing Grand Rapids Lettuce: Lettuce is a sun-loving cool weather crop that grows best in organic, well drained soil. Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, then every two weeks thereafter to ensure a continuous supply. An even supply of moisture during the entire growth period is imperative for success. Harvest leaf lettuce by either pulling the entire plant or by cutting leaves from the main stem at least 2.5 cm (1″) above the base – this will allow the plant to sprout new leaves. Harvest head lettuce by cutting the head off at the base just below the lower leaves. Once lettuce bolts (starts to produce a rapidly growing flower stem) leaves become bitter. Timing Lettuce grows best in cool weather in the spring and fall.

Sow in April every 2-3 weeks for a continual harvest. Using a cloche, cold frame, or greenhouse over mid-late August plantings can extend the harvest period right into winter. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-22°C (50-72°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-15 days, depending on conditions. Seeds don’t sprout easily when the soil temperature is over 22°C (72°F) in summer. Get around this by sprouting them indoors in a cool area, or pre-sprout by sprinkling seeds on a damp paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few days. In hot weather lettuce goes to seed rapidly, so have new plantings ready to go.

Starting Direct sow or start indoors and transplant. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, or on the surface of the soil where the soil can be kept evenly moist.. Space or thin heading lettuce to 30cm (12″) apart. Space or thin looseleaf varieties to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Space rows for all types 45-90cm (18-36″) apart. lettuce can be planted quite densely, as it is harvested at an immature size.

Sowing lettuce seeds closely together in narrow rows makes harvesting simpler. Growing Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5.