'Grand Rapids' lettuce on a ribbon
identification
description
'Grand Rapids' ribbon lettuce (Lactuca sativa) from McKenzie seed company, an ultra-early, sweet and crisp leaf lettuce
'Grand Rapids' lettuce is the best-known and most widely cultivated leaf lettuce , prized for its exceptionally rapid growth and crisp texture . It produces medium to large , upright, crinkled , light green leaves with a mild, delicate flavor . The leaves remain tender and flavorful, making them ideal for early and repeated harvests.
Presented on biodegradable seed tape , this variety allows for uniform, pre-spaced sowing , significantly reducing thinning and facilitating cultivation in vegetable gardens , raised beds , and containers . As with all seed tapes, consistent moisture is essential for successful germination. A cool-season variety, 'Grand Rapids' is very early maturing , tolerant of light frosts , resistant to tipburn , and slower to bolt than many lettuces, allowing it to be grown later in the spring.
Companion plants : Chives, onion, garlic, oregano, peas, radish, basil, zinnia
Enemy plants : None
Spread/Habit : Loose leaves, upright habit
Plant height : 20 to 30 cm
Seed producer : McKenzie
Seed type : Heirloom
Special features : Tape-fed seed, ultra-early maturing, resistant to tip burn, tolerates mild heat and light frosts
Leaf color : Light green
Texture/flavor : Crispy, tender, and sweet leaves
Cold tolerance : Good tolerance to cool temperatures
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed. The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 5 and 27°C. Prepare loose, rich, and well-drained soil. Make shallow furrows 1.3 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart. Tear the seed tape, place it in the furrow, water thoroughly, and then cover with about 1.3 cm of soil. Water again gently. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 7 to 10 days. Sow successive batches every 3 weeks from spring until mid- to late summer to ensure a continuous harvest. Lettuce prefers full sun to partial shade and regular watering of about 5 cm per week.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting typically begins about 45 days after sowing. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant when it is well-developed. The leaves are best young, fresh, and crisp. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Usage ideas
Fresh and crisp salads. Sandwich and wrap filling. Fast growing in containers. Successive harvests throughout the season. Family and urban gardens.
McKenzie's 'Grand Rapids' lettuce on tape is an essential reference , combining speed, ease of cultivation and consistent taste quality , perfect for gardeners who want to harvest early, often and without complication.
