Red pigmentation depends on genetics as well as light, temperature, and leaf age. Cool nights and good exposure generally create darker red, while dense shade or very rapid growth may leave more green near the base. This variation is normal and does not indicate mixed seed. Still avoid suddenly exposing tender protected plants to intense sun because foliage may scorch.
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Deeply frilled red leaf lettuce
Asteraceae
Semences biologiques de légumes-tiges
Organic ‘New Red Fire’ red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘New Red Fire’)
Lactuca sativa ‘New Red Fire’
Organic New Red Fire Red Leaf Lettuce produces crisp, decorative red frilled leaves. An excellent heat-tolerant variety for succession planting and colorful summer salads.
Quantity
Approximately 50 coated seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Lactuca
Species
sativa
Cultivar
New Red Fire
Type
Deeply frilled red leaf lettuce
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
Organic ‘New Red Fire’ red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘New Red Fire’) forms uniform compact heavy rosettes of deeply frilled leaves ranging from bright to dark red over a green base. Colour generally intensifies with cool nights and good light. The variety is recognized for tolerance to heat, light cold, bolting, and tipburn. Crisp sweet foliage may be harvested young, leaf by leaf, or as a full rosette for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked or start plants three to four weeks before transplanting. Barely cover seed and keep it cool because lettuce germinates poorly in overly warm soil. Space plants 20–25 cm apart for mature rosettes or sow more densely for baby leaves. Choose loose fertile soil enriched with mature compost, moisture-retentive, and well drained. Grow in sun during cool seasons; in summer, light afternoon shade and regular watering reduce bitterness and stress.
Johnny’s lists approximately 55 days from direct seeding, while Cornell gives 43–51 days according to source and conditions. Harvest in the morning and chill immediately. Cornell lists resistance to bottom rot, downy mildew, and lettuce mosaic virus. This protection is not immunity and may depend on strains or races present. Maintain airflow, water without splashing, remove severely affected plants, and rotate with unrelated crops.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Barely covered, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Éclaircir à environ 10 à 15 cm (4 à 6 po), avec 30 à 45 cm (12 à 18 po) entre les rangs
Establishment temperature
Approximately 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F); germination drops sharply in hot soil
Establishment time
Environ 7 à 10 jours
Best planting time
Early spring as soon as soil can be worked, then late summer for an autumn crop
Propagation
Propagated by seed, either direct sown outdoors or started in containers. Seeds remain viable for several years when stored in a cool, dry location.
Growing method
Sow on the surface of fine moist soil and cover only 0.3–0.5 cm. Keep cool because germination becomes erratic in overly warm soil. Thin to 25–30 cm for full rosettes or sow more densely for baby leaves. Transplants started three to four weeks earlier should be hardened gradually and set without burying the crown. Water immediately. Repeat small batches every two or three weeks and use light afternoon shade during heat.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Watering
Keep the surface consistently moist during germination with a very gentle stream so barely covered seeds are not displaced. Once established, water deeply as soon as the top one or two centimetres begin to dry. Shallow roots poorly tolerate cycles of drought and excess water; this stress encourages bitterness, tipburn, and bolting. Water early in the morning at soil level or by drip, avoid splashing soil onto leaves, and apply light mulch after thinning. Check containers daily in hot or windy weather.
Soil type
Prepare loose fine fertile soil enriched with mature compost, able to retain steady moisture without becoming waterlogged. Lettuce has relatively shallow roots; crusted, compact, or very sandy soil quickly slows growth and makes foliage more bitter. Aim for approximately pH 6.0–7.0. Incorporate organic matter before sowing rather than placing fresh manure near leaves. Improve drainage in heavy soil and avoid beds where root or foliage diseases of lettuce has recently occurred.
Fertilization
Incorporate compost before sowing to provide essential nutrients. In poor soils, a light application of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer encourages vigorous leafy growth and rich foliage color.
Seasonal care
Make successive sowings throughout the season for continuous harvests. Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness and premature bolting. Weed regularly around the plants and apply a light mulch to keep the soil cool. Harvest outer leaves frequently to extend production. During periods of intense heat, provide light shade whenever possible.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and approximately 5 to 7 L per plant
Use a container at least 20–25 cm deep with numerous holes and allow approximately 25–30 cm diameter per mature rosette. A wide box may also hold one denser baby-leaf strip. Fill with light fertile well-drained mix, place in sun during spring, then light partial shade during strong heat. Water as soon as the surface begins to dry and never leave standing water in the saucer. Pick outer leaves regularly or cut the entire rosette at maturity.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Pale yellow
Foliage color
Red and green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Yellow flowers in the second year if the plant overwinters and bolts
Harvest
Harvest baby leaves at 8–12 cm or pick a few firm well-coloured unblemished outer leaves weekly. For whole rosettes, begin checking at approximately 43 days and generally allow up to 55 days according to temperature and desired size. Cut at soil level early in the morning, chill immediately, and wash only before use. Refrigerate in a perforated bag. Harvest promptly once the central stem elongates or flavour becomes more bitter.
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Beetroot, spinach
Avoid planting with
Parsley, celery
Raw sticks, salads, slaws, sautés, roasts, soups, and cooked young leaves
From the garden to inspiration.
‘New Red Fire’ red salad — Separate and thoroughly wash 250 g sound leaves in several changes of cold water, then dry. Add apple wedges, toasted walnuts, and sliced radish. Whisk 30 ml oil, 15 ml cider vinegar, and 5 ml mustard, then toss immediately before serving. Keep lettuce cold until the meal. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Harvest begins about 55 days after sowing. Young leaves may be picked earlier for mesclun mixes, or mature heads can be harvested once fully developed.
Yes. It performs very well in partial shade, especially during hot summer weather. Light shade helps slow bolting and keeps the leaves tender.
Yes. Harvest the outer leaves regularly while allowing the center to continue growing for an extended harvest period.
Yes. Its deeply frilled red foliage adds outstanding ornamental value to vegetable gardens, raised beds, and edible landscapes.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
