Organic 'Red Sail' Lettuce
Organic 'Red Sail' lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from the seed company Gaia, a tender red curly lettuce that is exceptionally slow to bolt
'Red Sail' lettuce is a heritage variety prized for its tender, decorative, ruby-red, crinkled leaves , which form loose, generous heads. Its soft, crisp texture makes it an excellent salad lettuce, while its high resistance to bolting allows it to remain in the field long after maturity—a major advantage for summer gardeners. It retains a fresh, pleasant flavor even in warm conditions, while displaying its most beautiful red hues in cooler weather.
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 : Red, crinkled leaves, very slow to bolt, long-lasting in the field, robust heritage variety
Leaf color : Dark red with a green base
Texture/flavor : Tender, crunchy, sweet
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable , or start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before planting out. Sow 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 . Like all lettuces, germination is difficult above 25°C . Plant in partial sun/partial shade (level 2) with moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 15 cm apart, with 60 cm between rows.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest at any stage—young leaves or formed buds—as the flavor is optimal after a few cool nights in autumn. For longer storage, keep the buds in sand in a root cellar at 1–2°C .
Usage ideas
• In colorful salads , thanks to its pronounced red hue
• In mixed salad, harvested young
• In wraps, burgers and sandwiches for a decorative touch
• As an accompaniment to autumn dishes
• In edible ornamental cultivation
' Red Sail' lettuce is a reliable, attractive and tasty variety, perfect for extending the salad season and for gardens that love colorful foliage.
