Organic leafy vegetable seeds

Organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Product code : BIOVO-0044

‘Gourmet Mix’ is an organic blend of red and green lettuces providing several shapes, textures, and shades in one sowing. It may be cut young for tender salads or allowed to develop for greater volume and crunch. The commercial profile lists 7–14 days for germination at 10–20°C and harvest in 30–55 days. The exact cultivar composition is not published and is therefore deliberately left unspecified. Sow one small strip every two weeks to renew baby leaves. Steady moisture and light afternoon shade during heat preserve tenderness. Harvest early in the morning, wash carefully, and chill promptly. No specific varietal resistance is assigned to this mix because its cultivar composition is not published.
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Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Annual vegetable

Discover the plant

Common nameRed and green lettuce mix
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusLactuca
Speciessativa
TypeOrganic blend of red and green lettuces
Botanical nameLactuca sativa

Organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) combines red and green lettuces with varied shapes, textures, and shades. Harvested young, the leaves make a tender fresh colourful blend; allowed to grow longer, they develop more volume and crunch. This mix suits composed salads, sandwiches, wraps, and garnishes while creating an attractive edible mosaic in the garden. Its exact cultivar composition is not specified. This natural variability adds interest without guaranteeing one precise proportion of every colour, shape, or texture in each sowing throughout successive harvests in the home garden.

Direct-sow into fine soil as soon as the ground can be worked, approximately 0.5 cm deep. For continuous harvest, make small sowings every two weeks instead of one large batch. Keep the surface moist until emergence, then maintain even moisture without waterlogging. Sun suits cool weather; light afternoon shade helps preserve tenderness during warm periods. Loose well-drained soil enriched with mature compost supports rapid uniform growth. Thin clumps after emergence so slower seedlings retain enough light, water, and airflow to remain part of the blend through repeated consistent garden cuttings.

Germination generally takes 7–14 days at 10–20°C. Plants reach approximately 20–25 cm in height and 20–30 cm in spread; harvest begins 30–55 days after sowing depending on the desired stage. Cut outer leaves or one strip of baby foliage while leaving centres intact to encourage regrowth. Harvest early in the morning and chill promptly. When heat elongates the central stem or makes foliage more bitter, remove plants and begin another small batch in a cooler location. Wash leaves carefully, dry them, and refrigerate promptly in a clean container after every cutting.

selection of organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce seeds showing a blend of young red and green leaves with varied shapes, edges, and textures. The image identifies this Lactuca sativa mix for salad greens, vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers, with germination in 7–14 days and harvest in approximately 30–55 days. under suitable cool growing conditions.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Barely covered, approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm (1/8 to 1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Baby leaves: thin to 2–5 cm; developed rosettes: 20–30 cm, with 30–45 cm between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F); germination drops sharply in hot soil

Germination time

Approximately 7 to 14 days

Sowing period

Early spring as soon as soil can be worked; late summer for an autumn harvest

Propagation

Direct sowing or indoor sowing three to four weeks before transplanting

Growing method

Loosen and level the surface, moisten it, then sow approximately 0.5 cm deep. For baby leaves, distribute seed evenly without clumps; for large rosettes, thin gradually to 20–30 cm. Keep the bed moist during the 7–14 day germination period. Sow another small strip every two weeks, hand weed to avoid uprooting seedlings, and provide light shade when soil becomes very warm. After emergence, thin clumps while retaining different colours and shapes where practical. Apply light mulch once plants are established to limit splashing and drying. For baby-leaf harvest, cut several centimetres above the soil without injuring every centre; for developed rosettes, pick outer leaves or harvest the whole plant. During summer, sow early in the morning, shade the bed until emergence, and choose the coolest available location. Avoid beds recently occupied by diseased lettuce, improve drainage, and rotate with unrelated crops. Wash harvest, dry it, and refrigerate promptly. Label every strip with its sowing date so the oldest section is cut first. Remove bolting plants promptly. Inspect young plants for slugs, keep covers ventilated after rain, avoid handling soaked foliage, and preserve a clear path for gentle watering near the soil.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Care level

Easy

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. Shallow lettuce roots need an aerated zone; crusted compact or very sandy soil quickly slows growth and makes leaves 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, avoid beds recently occupied by diseased lettuce, and rotate with unrelated crops.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing and correct fertility according to a soil test or label directions. Lettuce requires moderate steady nutrition; one light balanced feed at planting is generally sufficient in fertile soil. If foliage pales after thinning, side-dress one small nitrogen dose and water. Avoid heavy or late applications that create soft tissue, increase some disorders, and make harvested produce harder to cool. Never apply granular fertilizer onto leaves and stop feeding shortly before leaf harvest.

Moisture

Evenly moist soil without saturation

Seasonal care

In spring, sow small amounts every two or three weeks and protect seedlings from slugs through regular inspection and a clean garden. Thin early for airflow. In summer, use light shade cloth during very hot afternoons, maintain uninterrupted watering, and harvest before bolting. In fall, resume sowing as nights cool and protect from first frost with row cover. Promptly remove severely diseased plants and rotate with unrelated crops. Also monitor aphids beneath leaves and slugs in damp areas; remove them by hand where practical and avoid sheltering debris. Cut yellow or damaged leaves without injuring centres. During a heat wave, water early, maintain light shade, and harvest batches beginning to bolt. Wash leaves, dry them, and refrigerate promptly. Record sowing, cutting, and bolting dates to adjust later strips. Clean containers after disease and replace contaminated mix. Check drainage after heavy rain, vent covers, and avoid handling soaked foliage. Keep the harvest basket clean and shaded. Remove badly diseased plants rather than allowing them to remain beside younger sowings, and inspect irrigation lines regularly for leaks. After heavy rain, replace displaced mulch and inspect crowns for rot. Never leave cut leaves in direct sun during maintenance. Thin crowded clumps promptly, wash hands before handling ready-to-eat foliage, keep diseased residue safely away from young strips, and record which sowing produced the most balanced colours and textures.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Wide container at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) deep
Choose a wide container at least 20–25 cm deep with numerous drainage holes. For baby leaves, sow in one even strip and thin crowded areas; for developed rosettes, retain approximately 20–30 cm between plants. Use light potting mix enriched with mature compost, place in sun during cool weather, then light partial shade in summer. Check moisture daily and cut only one section of the container at a time to stagger regrowth. Raise the container slightly, empty the saucer, and rotate the box weekly so every strip receives comparable light. Very fine mulch reduces evaporation without touching crowns. During a heat wave, move the box to a bright location receiving afternoon shade; rapid growth never replaces cool steady moisture. Sow a second strip two weeks later to replace the first after several cuttings. Harvest in the morning, chill immediately, and remove every yellow, slimy, or badly diseased leaf. Use clean mix after disease and inspect drainage following heavy rain. Label each sowing date and preserve airflow across the whole surface. After each cutting, remove damaged leaves, keep the surface evenly moist, and replace sparse strips with a fresh two-week succession promptly.
selection of organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce seeds showing a blend of young red and green leaves with varied shapes, edges, and textures. The image identifies this Lactuca sativa mix for salad greens, vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers, with germination in 7–14 days and harvest in approximately 30–55 days. under suitable cool growing conditions.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) at full size

Foliage color

Red, green, and intermediate shades depending on seedlings

Foliage type

Mix of red and green leaves with varied shapes and textures

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Group of low to upright rosettes varying with the lettuces in the blend

Fragrance

Mild fresh crisp flavours varying among the lettuces

Bloom period

When heat, long days, or stress triggers bolting, the plant rapidly elongates a branched stalk bearing small yellow flowers. This occurs during the first season and marks the end of the best leaf quality. Harvest once the centre stretches to avoid bitter tough foliage, or allow only one healthy plant to bloom where seed dispersal will not cause a problem.

Fruiting

After flowering, small dry beaked fruits with a tuft may form and release seed. This stage is not desired for leaf harvest because the plant becomes bitter and directs energy toward reproduction. Cut the stalk before dispersal to limit volunteer seedlings, or allow only one healthy plant to dry when seed saving is clearly permitted and identified. Keep seed separate from lettuce intended for food.

Days to maturity

Approximately 30 to 55 days after sowing, depending on harvest stage

Harvest

Begin around 30 days once baby leaves reach useful size. For repeat cutting, gather one small bunch and cut 3–5 cm above soil without injuring centres, then water gently. Outer leaves may also be picked individually or rosettes allowed to develop until approximately 55 days. Harvest early in the morning, remove damaged foliage, chill promptly, and wash only before use. If a central stem elongates, harvest immediately before bitterness develops.
selection of organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce seeds showing a blend of young red and green leaves with varied shapes, edges, and textures. The image identifies this Lactuca sativa mix for salad greens, vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers, with germination in 7–14 days and harvest in approximately 30–55 days. under suitable cool growing conditions.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Radishes, green onions, and low herbs may temporarily occupy spaces between young lettuce plants when harvested before rosettes reach full width. A pea trellis positioned at a distance may provide light afternoon shade without blocking airflow. These combinations mainly organize space and guarantee no protection from pests or disease. Avoid root competition and remove companions that dry the soil, constantly touch leaves, or make harvest difficult. Rotate the bed afterward with an unrelated family and keep diseased residue away from healthy plants.

Plants to avoid

Parsley celery

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Leaves and tender centre, thoroughly washed; avoid very bitter bolted plants
Crisp Gourmet Mix salad — Thoroughly wash 250 g sound leaves in potable water, dry, and tear the largest. Add one small sliced cucumber, four radishes, and 30 ml toasted sunflower seeds. Whisk 30 ml oil, 15 ml apple cider vinegar, 5 ml mustard, and a pinch of salt. Toss immediately before serving. Keep leaves cold and discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf. For a more substantial version, add cooked chickpeas, a cooked egg, or cheese immediately before serving. Taste the dressing before salting because toppings may already be seasoned. Use a clean cutting board, wash hands, and prevent cross-contamination with raw animal foods. Do not leave the salad at room temperature for an extended period; promptly return unused portions to the refrigerator in a clean container. Dress only the amount being served so remaining leaves retain their varied textures. Chill every prepared portion promptly after service. Serve each portion promptly after dressing.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Which varieties are included in Gourmet Mix?
The selection contains a blend of red and green lettuces, but the exact cultivar names and proportions are not specified. Colours, shapes, and growth rates may therefore vary slightly from one sowing to another. Harvest the row as one ensemble and thin only areas where a few seedlings clearly dominate. This missing information prevents assigning one precise variety, proportion, or resistance that may not apply to every seedling. To preserve diversity, retain several colours and shapes while thinning, then harvest a representative selection at every cutting. Label the date and photograph the strip when comparing sowings. Natural variation is expected.
Is it better to harvest young or wait 55 days?
Both methods work. Around 30 days, leaves are small tender and ideal for salad mix. Cutting above centres may provide regrowth. Waiting until approximately 55 days gives more volume and better reveals textures of individual lettuces. During warm weather, harvest younger because large rosettes are more exposed to bolting and bitterness. Harvest early in the morning and chill without delay. One strip may be cut at different stages, but leave enough centres intact when regrowth is desired. After several cuttings, replace plants that become coarse, bitter, sparse, or elongated with a fresh sowing. Keep every harvested portion shaded before washing.
How can the row remain a balanced mix?
Distribute seed as evenly as possible and avoid clumps. After emergence, thin only tightly crowded spots and retain seedlings of different colours and shapes. Regularly cut the tallest leaves so they do not shade slower plants. Even moisture and moderate feeding also reduce growth differences. Since the exact composition is not published, natural variation in the result remains normal. Harvest several different shapes at each cutting instead of taking only the largest leaves. Label strips by date and compare them separately. If one colour becomes scarce, avoid removing every seedling of that colour during one pass. This approach favours visible diversity without claiming control over a proportion the selection does not guarantee.
How can poor summer germination be avoided?
Sow early in the morning into pre-moistened soil and lightly shade the bed until emergence. Lettuce seed needs light and germinates poorly when buried deeply or when soil remains very warm. Cover only a few millimetres, keep the surface moist with fine watering, and move containers into a cooler place. Seed may also be started indoors in a cool room, then seedlings gradually hardened before transplanting. Label the date, increase airflow once seedlings appear, and thin before roots become tightly crowded. Use clean mix and a draining container, then avoid abrupt cycles of drying and saturation. Continue with gentle watering after emergence and keep the seedbed cool.
Can Gourmet Mix be grown in a container?
Yes. A wide container at least 20–25 cm deep works better than one small pot because it holds steadier moisture and provides useful cutting area. Sow in a strip for baby leaves or thin to 20–30 cm for large rosettes. Use well-drained mix enriched with compost, water as soon as the surface begins to dry, and place the container in light partial shade during strong heat. In containers, give Organic ‘Gourmet Mix’ lettuce a light fertile mix and numerous drainage holes. Water when the surface dries, rotate the pot if light is uneven, and never allow standing water. Adequate soil volume reduces rapid moisture changes and helps roots remain cooler during summer heat.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Lettuce allowed to bolt develops a branched stalk with small yellow flowers that various insects may visit. Flowering is undesirable for leaf harvest, however, and no pollinator is required. Harvest the head as soon as the centre elongates, or allow only one healthy plant to bloom where volunteer seedlings will not cause a problem.