'Merlot' Lettuce

Lactuca sativa Origin: Netherlands Improvement status: Cultivar Seeds per packet: ~125 Germination tested 08/2024: 98% Life cycle: Annual Originally called 'Galactic' by the Dutch company that bred it, 'Merlot' is quite possibly the reddest red lettuce you can grow. It produces delicious, frilly, looseleaf heads on slow-to-bolt plants which stand up incredibly well to cold temperatures. This is the perfect lettuce to add to a salad mix for vivid contrast, but it is also wonderful on its own. Like most lettuces, this variety is very easy to direct seed, but it will not germinate well in warm soil. GROWING TIPS: Direct seed or transplant healthy plant starts in early spring or potentially late summer for fall harvest. Plants could be 10-14 inches apart.