Natural, untreated and GMO-free seeds. This variety is actually an improved selection of the ‘American Brown’ variety.
Always use fresh seeds because old lettuce seeds are unlikely to germinate well. Make small successive sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous crops. Sow directly into the ground from early spring to mid-summer, creating a shallow trench about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep using a cane.
Water abundantly using a watering can fitted with a watering head. Space rows 6 inches (15 cm) apart for smaller varieties and 12 inches (30 cm) for larger head lettuces.
THINNING: Thin young plants to their final spacing along the row when they are approximately 2 in. (5 cm) tall: spacings vary from 6 to 12 in. (15 to 30 cm) depending on variety. Remove unwanted plants with your fingers and add them to salads as delicious seedlings.
WATER: Water the soil around the plants regularly in dry weather and as they mature. Avoid splashing the leaves, this can cause problems with blight or fungal diseases.
PROTECT: Create traps and barriers to prevent slugs and snails from destroying seedlings. Check the crops at night with a torch and remove all pests. Cover lettuces with cloches in early spring and fall to protect them from the cold and extend the growing season. Grow winter lettuces in an unheated greenhouse.
