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Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
Italiko Red
Lettuce
LettuceCichorium intybus
- Full sun
- Zones 3–8
- 40 days to maturity
- Vegetables
- 6" spacing
- Moderate water
- Annual
Overview
This Italian dandelion has bold red stems and midribs for vibrant contrast. Deeply lobed leaves with classic bitter flavor. Good cold tolerance. Shows some variation in plant habit, leaf shape, and color.
Planting
Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last spring frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks prior and transplant after frost. Sow for fall crop 6-8 weeks before first frost
Growing
Sun: full. Water: moderate. Soil: Well-draining loam with compost or aged manure amendment. Space plants 6" apart. Germination: 7-14 days.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Slugs, snails, flea beetles, aphids. Common diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, fungal leaf spots in overly wet conditions.