55 Days to maturity. Lactuca sativa. Organic Merlot Lettuce Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, heirloom, loose-leaf lettuce. Merlot Lettuce is a particularly striking variety that stands out in any garden with its deep red, almost burgundy leaves with glossy texture and wave-like ruffle edges. It's not just visually appealing but is also renowned for its robust flavor that brings a unique, slightly nutty, and mildly sweet taste to salads and other dishes. Much like a fine Merlot wine, this variety can add complexity and aesthetic value to your garden and plate. It is ideal for a cut-and-come-again culture. ~26,612 seeds/oz.

Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Latin Name: Lactuca sativa
Hardiness Zone: Annual; Zone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. In zones 2-6 grow during the spring and summer months. In zones 7-9 grow during the fall and winter seasons. In zones 10-11, Merlot lettuce grows best during the winter months. It may be grown all year indoors with light and nutrients.
Days to Maturity: 55
Days to Germination: 2-10
Seeding Depth: 0.25 inches
Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches
Row Spacing: 12-18 inches
Plant Height: 8-12 inches
Plant Spread: 8-12 inches
Growth Habit: Upright, yet the leaves tend to spread out and droop around the base, creating a lush, mounding appearance.
Soil Preference: Rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It is sensitive to both overly dry and waterlogged soil conditions.
Temperature Preference: 40-80 F
Light Preference: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Direct Sow: Yes Direct Sow
Start Indoors: Yes, start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors
Pests and Diseases: Vulnerable to common lettuce pests like aphids and slugs. Resistant to tip burn and some tolerance to mildew and rot, which can be especially problematic in wetter climates.
Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf Color: Dark red, almost burgundy
Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf Flavor: Sweet and lightly nutty

Growing Non-GMO Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf Vegetable Seeds

Directly sow the seeds outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, or start the seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. When direct sowing, press seeds into the soil no more than 0.25 inches. Lettuce germination improves with light. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart and thin to 8-12 inches once sprouting. When starting the seeds indoors, plant into an organic seed starting mix, maintaining moisture and providing ample light, either natural or via grow lights. Once seedlings develop two true leaves and there's no frost risk, harden them off over a week and transplant outdoors, spacing them 8-12 inches apart in well-draining soil enriched with organic compost. Maintain even soil moisture with morning watering and apply organic mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

Water your lettuce regularly to maintain even soil moisture; early morning watering is best to prevent disease. Mulch around the plants with organic materials like straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a balanced, organic liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to provide necessary nutrients for growth.

Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf in the Vegetable Garden

The vibrant color of Merlot Lettuce adds a beautiful contrast in the vegetable garden and can be visually enhancing when planted in patterns or as border plants. Its color deepens in cooler temperatures, making it a stunning addition to autumn gardens.

Thanks to its short habit and tolerance for partial shade, lettuce is perfect for making the most of a garden bed by growing at the base of other plants that grow taller.

Harvesting Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf

Harvesting Merlot Lettuce is quite straightforward and can be done as soon as the leaves reach a desirable size, typically 45 to 55 days from planting. The outer leaves can be picked first, encouraging continued growth from the center for a prolonged harvest. For harvesting the whole plant, cut at the base just above the soil line, which can encourage a second growth in some cases.

About Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf Garden Seeds

Developed for its visual appeal and flavor, Merlot Lettuce is a modern variety that is loved by all gardeners. Its ease of growth and minimal space requirements make it excellent for container gardening.

It performs exceptionally well in regions with cooler springs and falls but can adapt to various climates within its hardiness zones.

Nutritionally, like most lettuce, it is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C, and a good source of dietary fiber and iron.

Organic Merlot Lettuce prefers cooler weather, making early spring and late autumn the best times for planting. In zones 9-11, grow during the winter season.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To keep your organic garden thriving, rotate your crops each year to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest buildup."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf Seeds Per Package:

2 g - Packet - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
0.25 oz - Packet - Approximately 6,653 Seeds
1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 26,612 Seeds
4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 106,448 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 425,792 Seeds

Non-GMO Organic Merlot Lettuce Leaf seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.

Lettuce Seeds - Leaf - Merlot

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