Romaine lettuce on ribbon (Lactuca sativa) from McKenzie Seeds, a crisp and reliable romaine for classic salads
McKenzie romaine lettuce forms beautiful, elongated heads composed of long, ribbed leaves with a firm, crisp texture . The slightly sturdier, dark green outer leaves protect a paler, tender, and juicy heart . This typical structure gives romaine excellent shelf life , both in the garden and in the kitchen.
A heritage variety prized for its more pronounced flavor than curly lettuce , it is recognized as the benchmark lettuce for Caesar salad . Presented on tape , it allows for pre-spaced, regular, and clean sowing , greatly reducing the need for thinning. As with all tapes, consistent moisture is essential during germination. The crop is safe for bees and beneficial to pollinators.
Companion plants: Chives, Onion, Garlic, Oregano, Peas, Radish, Basil, Zinnia
Enemy plants: —
Spread/carry: Upright, elongated (Roman type)
Plant height: 25 to 35 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Special features: Seed on tape, crisp leaves, ideal for Caesar salad, safe for bees
Leaf color: Dark green to light green
Texture/flavor: Firm, crisp leaves with a clean taste
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 to 45 cm apart. Tear the seed tape , place it in the furrow, water thoroughly, then cover with about 1.3 cm of soil . Water gently again. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist , but not soggy, throughout the germination period, which usually lasts 7 to 10 days .
Carry out successive sowings every 3 weeks , from spring until August , to ensure a continuous harvest of fresh lettuce.
Romaine lettuce prefers full sun to partial sun (level 2 to 3) and regular watering , equivalent to about 5 cm of water per week .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting typically begins 65 to 85 days after sowing . Harvest the entire head when it is well-formed, or trim the outer leaves as needed to prolong production. The leaves are best eaten fresh and crisp .
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container to preserve the texture.
Usage ideas
• Classic Caesar Salad
• Crunchy and composed salads
• Sandwich and wrap fillings
• Container gardening and family vegetable gardens
• Successive harvests throughout the summer
McKenzie romaine lettuce tape offers a simple, clean, and efficient solution for producing crisp, flavorful, and consistent lettuce. A reliable choice for the edible garden, it's perfectly suited to gardeners seeking quality, regularity, and ease of cultivation.
