Lettuce PL008 (Romaine) | 1000 seeds

Description

Lettuce PL008 (Romaine) is a popular Romaine lettuce variety known for its crisp texture, strong flavor, and versatility.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Variety Overview of Lettuce PL008 (Romaine)

• Type: Romaine lettuce (also known as Cos lettuce)
• Growth Habit: Upright, columnar plant with a compact rosette of leaves.
• Maturity: Typically matures in 70-80 days from sowing.
• Leaf Characteristics: Produces dark green, crunchy, elongated leaves with a firm, crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Advantages

• Crisp Texture: Known for its crisp and crunchy texture, which makes it ideal for salads and sandwiches.
• High Yield: Produces a high yield of well-formed heads per plant, making it suitable for both commercial and home production.
• Disease Resistance: Offers resistance to common lettuce diseases, such as downy mildew and lettuce mosaic virus, which helps ensure a healthier crop.
• Heat Tolerance: Some tolerance to heat and bolting, though it performs best in cooler growing conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Prefers cooler weather with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. Can tolerate some heat but may bolt (flower prematurely) in very hot conditions.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating organic matter into the soil improves fertility and structure.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during leaf development. Drip irrigation is recommended to maintain even soil moisture and reduce disease risk.
• Fertilization: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer, with emphasis on nitrogen for leafy growth.

Cultural Practices

• Planting: Space plants 20-30 cm apart in rows spaced 30-40 cm apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
• Weed Control: Regular weeding is important to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings if necessary to ensure proper spacing and growth.

Harvesting

• Timing: Harvest when the heads are firm and fully developed, but before they start to bolt. Typically, this is about 70-80 days from sowing.
• Method: Cut the heads at the base just above the soil line, or harvest individual leaves if needed.

Uses

• Fresh Market: Ideal for salads, sandwiches, and wraps due to its crisp texture and robust flavor.
• Culinary: Can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and as a garnish.