It is leaf lettuce producing a large open rosette rather than a tight head. Outer foliage may therefore be picked without waiting for full maturity, baby leaves cut from dense sowing, or the entire rosette harvested at approximately 52 days. Leave the centre intact for repeated picking and remove no more than one-third at once. A rosette elongating sharply in the centre is beginning to bolt and should be harvested promptly.
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Deeply curled green leaf lettuce
Asteraceae
Semences biologiques de légumes-tiges
Organic ‘Tropicana’ green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Tropicana’)
Lactuca sativa ‘Tropicana’
Organic Tropicana Green Curly Lettuce produces crisp, bright green leaves. A productive variety ideal for cut-and-come-again harvests and fresh garden 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
Tropicana
Type
Deeply curled green leaf lettuce
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual
Organic ‘Tropicana’ green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Tropicana’) is a vigorous leaf lettuce forming a large open rosette of dark-green, glossy, deeply curled, crisp foliage. It does not make a tight iceberg head: outer leaves may be picked progressively or the entire rosette cut. Johnny’s places it among heat-tolerant varieties, helping preserve quality in warmer periods without eliminating bolting risk. Texture suits salads, sandwiches, garnishes, and baby-leaf mixes.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked or start plants three to four weeks before transplanting. Barely cover seed because lettuce requires light and cool temperatures for reliable germination. Place in full sun during spring and fall, or provide light afternoon shade in summer heat. Choose loose fertile soil enriched with mature compost, moisture-retentive, and well drained. Space plants 25–30 cm apart for full rosettes; for baby leaves, sow more densely and thin by harvesting.
Maturity is listed at approximately 52 days from direct seeding, while baby leaves may be cut earlier. Harvest in the morning while foliage is cool and firm, then chill promptly. For continuous production, sow a small amount every two or three weeks instead of one large row. Cornell lists ‘Tropicana’ with corky root rot resistance; resistance is not immunity. Rotation, adequate drainage, removal of diseased residue, and splash-free watering remain important.
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 in the garden 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 corky root rot or other lettuce disease has recently occurred.
Fertilization
Incorporate compost before sowing to provide the nutrients needed for vigorous growth. In poor soils, a light application of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer encourages abundant leafy growth.
Seasonal care
Make successive sowings to maintain continuous harvests throughout the season. Water regularly to keep the soil cool and reduce the risk of bolting. Weed as needed to minimize competition for water and nutrients. Harvest outer leaves frequently to encourage new growth. Apply a light mulch to conserve soil moisture during hot weather.
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
Bright green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Yellow flowers in the second year if the plant overwinters and bolts
Harvest
For baby leaves, cut at 8–12 cm while leaving the centre to regrow. For progressive harvest, pick firm unblemished outer leaves weekly. The entire rosette is generally ready in approximately 52 days; cut at soil level in the morning before heat. Chill immediately, wash only before use, and refrigerate in a perforated bag. Discard every slimy, mouldy, or abnormal-smelling leaf. Harvest promptly once the central stem begins elongating, signalling bolting.
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.
Crisp ‘Tropicana’ salad — Separate and thoroughly wash 250 g sound leaves in several changes of cold water, then dry. Tear into bites and add cucumber, radish, and herbs. Whisk 30 ml oil, 15 ml lemon juice, 5 ml mustard, and one pinch salt, 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.
Johnny’s uses this designation for varieties that better retain shape and tolerate tipburn and bolting under summer heat. It is not immunity. A heat wave, warm nights, dry soil, or confined roots may still cause bitterness and bolting. Maintain steady moisture, provide light afternoon shade, sow small batches, and harvest promptly once the central stem begins elongating.
Cornell lists resistance to corky root rot, a root problem that may reduce lettuce vigour. This does not guarantee complete protection and should not be extended to downy mildew, mosaic, bacterial spot, or other diseases without additional data. Improve drainage, avoid contaminated soil, rotate with unrelated crops, and remove severely affected plants. Healthy growth remains the best prevention foundation.
Yes. Its compact growth and fast development make it an excellent choice for balconies, patios, and urban gardens. It produces abundant harvests in pots and planters.
This variety produces abundant, crisp, decorative foliage with excellent flavor. It is easy to grow and provides extended harvests throughout the season.
Its strengths, naturally.
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
