Organic 'New Red Fire' Lettuce
'New Red Fire' organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from the seed company Gaia, a curly lettuce with an intense, uniform red color and resistance to bolting.
'New Red Fire' lettuce is a heritage variety highly prized for its remarkable uniformity , deep red color , and exceptional bolting tolerance , making it a truly all-season lettuce. Its large, loose heads have a green base that transitions to a deep red towards the ruffled edges, creating a beautiful contrast in salads. Its flavor remains fresh and crisp throughout the season, even in summer. It is also valued for its intermediate resistance to several diseases: bottom rot (Rhizoctonia), downy mildew, and tip blight (MTO-30).
Companion plants : Alliums, Radish, Marigold, Broccoli, Bean, Beetroot, Carrot, Nasturtium, Dill, Corn, Cucurbits, Coriander, Strawberry
Negative plants : Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Celery, Parsley
Style/Wear : Loose, curly head
Plant height : 15 to 25 cm
Quantity per packet : 300 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Curly red lettuce, intense color, very resistant to bolting, high uniformity, intermediate disease resistance
Leaf color : Green at the base, very dark red at the edges
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, fresh, soft
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable , or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before planting out. Sow the seeds 6–12 mm deep. Germination takes 7 to 10 days at temperatures between 5 and 20°C , with an optimum of 16–18°C . Lettuce germinates poorly above 25°C , except for heat-tolerant varieties. Plant in partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and water moderately (level 2). Space plants 15 cm apart, with 60 cm between rows.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest at any stage—young, fully formed heart, or leafy—as the flavor is optimal after a few cool nights . Store in a root cellar in slightly damp sand at 1–2°C for best preservation.
Usage ideas
• In colorful salads , thanks to its intense red
• As a base for curly mesclun
• In sandwiches and wraps for a crunchy texture
• Serve with grilled vegetables for visual contrast
• In ornamental gardens, edible thanks to its decorative foliage
'New Red Fire' lettuce is distinguished by its beauty, hardiness, and consistent flavor. A versatile and robust heirloom variety, it's ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable lettuce from spring to autumn.
