In the ongoing battle to determine which is our reddest lettuce – the Gabriella Lettuce sometimes takes the lead. It is a deep wine red – even as it emerges – so it is great for adding color to a salad at any stage. Plants are very erect and form a lovely bunch. Flavor is just dandy.

300 seeds

PLANTING

Lactuca sativa

Germination:4-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 60-75F. Soil above 75F. inhibits germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: inch deep

Outside Sowing:Spring when the soil temperature reaches at least 50F. Sow 1 apart, thin to 6-12, depending on the size of lettuce you want, baby to full heads. Keep soil moist during germination. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a longer harvest period. Sow heavy seeded rows every 10-14 days for baby greens using 1 oz. Pinetree Lettuce Mix.

Starting Indoors:3-4 weeks before planting outside.Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thinning to one per cell/pot. Provide 60-70 F. soil temperatures. Transplant out, 8-12 apart in rows 12 apart.

How much does a packet plant:25-footsingle row

Harvest:Cut whole heads at the base or snipe off individual leaves.

Tips:The Gabriella Lettuce needs fertile soil for optimum growth. Work in compost or well-rotted manure into your soil before planting. Provide adequate, even moisture for the best growth. Mulching helps retain moisture.