Winter Density Lettuce
Best versatile lettuce for gardeners seeking reliable harvests in fluctuating climates.
Discover the reliable Winter Density Lettuce, an open-pollinated Lactuca sativa variety perfect for consistent harvests when provided with cool germination temperatures. This lettuce forms tightly folded, dark green round heads, offering a unique texture that beautifully blends butterhead and romaine characteristics. Enjoy its excellent flavor throughout the season, complemented by impressive heat and frost tolerance, making it a versatile choice for high-quality yields in your garden.
$4.15
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 5876
#3 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Days to Maturity
2855
/ days baby - days full size
Who it's for
- Gardeners extending harvests through freezing winter months
- Urban growers maximizing yields in small garden spaces
- Home cooks prioritizing sweet, crisp flavor in cold-weather greens
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with hot, fast-approaching summer climates
- Impatient growers seeking quick-turnaround spring salad crops
- Indoor growers struggling with high-humidity greenhouse environments
Performance breakdown
Climate Adaptability
Exceptional heat and frost tolerance extends the growing season significantly.
Harvest Versatility
Flexible maturity timeline allows for both baby leaf and full-head harvests.
Germination Sensitivity
Requires specific cool soil temperatures for optimal sprout success.
Texture Profile
Unique hybrid structure offers the best of butterhead and romaine qualities.
Disease Resistance
Open-pollinated genetics provide reliable, consistent performance in varied garden conditions.
Space Efficiency
Tightly folded heads require standard garden spacing rather than container optimization.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
28 days baby - 55 days full size
Seed Count
Approximately 24,000 seeds per ounce
Soil pH Requirement
6.2-6.8
Seeding Depth
1/8 inch
Nitrogen Requirement
50-75 lbs/acre
Phosphorus/Potassium Requirement
~150 lbs/acre
Planting Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Seed Form
Loose Seeds
Features
- Blends butterhead and romaine textures
- Reliable open-pollinated variety
- Excellent flavor all season
- Heat and frost tolerant
- Produces dark green round heads
- Requires cool germination temperatures
- Good airflow around the stem
What customers say
Winter Density Lettuce is highly valued for its exceptional reliability and remarkable cold hardiness, making it essential for extending the growing season. Customers consistently report outstanding germination rates, confirming the high quality of the organic seed stock. Its upright, compact growth habit is perfect for intensive planting and yields cleaner leaves. The flavor is a major highlight, described as wonderfully crisp and sweet, surpassing store-bought options whether harvested young or mature. While premium priced, gardeners find the dependable performance, resilience against frost, and superior taste fully justify the investment. This lettuce is considered a must-grow staple for consistent, high-quality harvests.
Know before you buy
Winter Density is a unique hybrid-like variety that combines the tender, buttery texture of a butterhead with the upright, crunchy structure of a romaine. It forms dense, dark green heads that provide the best of both worlds in a single plant.
No, Winter Density is not recommended for container gardening. It performs best when planted directly in the ground where it can establish its root system in the soil.
This variety germinates best when soil temperatures are cool, typically in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the heat of summer, you may need to provide shade or use a cold frame to keep the soil temperature down to ensure successful sprouting.
You can begin harvesting baby greens in as little as 28 days. If you prefer full-sized, tightly folded heads, expect to wait about 55 days from planting.
Yes, Winter Density is known for its resilience. While it prefers cool germination, the mature plants handle both heat and light frost better than many other lettuce varieties, allowing for a longer harvest window throughout the season.
For optimal growth, aim for a soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Ensure your soil is well-draining and properly amended with the recommended nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels to support healthy head formation.
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