Organic 'Winter Density' Lettuce
Organic 'Winter Density' lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from the seed company Gaia, a compact and hardy lettuce ideal for autumn and winter
'Winter Density' lettuce is a robust heirloom variety, prized for its exceptional ability to thrive in cold weather . It forms compact, dense heads of a deep green color, with a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor . Highly resistant to bolting, it offers an extended harvest window throughout autumn and even early winter. Adapted to cool climates and unheated greenhouses, it is a reliable, flavorful lettuce, particularly well-suited to salads, sandwiches, and wraps during the colder seasons.
Companion plants : Alliums, Radish, Marigold, Broccoli, Bean, Beetroot, Carrot, Nasturtium, Dill, Corn, Cucurbits, Coriander, Strawberry
Negative plants : Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Celery, Parsley
Spread/carry : Compact and dense head
Plant height : 15 to 20 cm
Quantity per packet : 150 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very hardy, resistant to bolting, ideal for autumn-winter, mild flavor, dense and crisp head
Leaf color : Rich green
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, soft, slightly 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 12 and 21°C , with an optimum of 16–18°C (avoid temperatures above 25°C). Plant in partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and water moderately (level 2). Space plants 15 cm apart, with 30 to 45 cm between rows (depending on the type of bed).
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest at any stage , although the best flavor is obtained after a few cool nights . Store the buds in a root cellar, in slightly damp sand, at 1–2 °C .
Regular harvesting stimulates the formation of new leaves.
Usage ideas
• In crisp autumn salads
• In wraps and sandwiches for a firm texture
• As an accompaniment to hot dishes for a refreshing contrast
• Grown under tunnels for a prolonged winter harvest
• In a mesclun mix, harvested young
'Winter Density' lettuce combines hardiness, a dense texture, and refined sweetness. A reliable choice for cool-season gardens looking to extend production well beyond summer.
