How to Grow Winter Lettuce: Tips, Facts, and Information

Winter lettuce is a hardy and cold-resistant crop that allows gardeners to enjoy fresh, leafy greens throughout the colder months. These varieties are bred to withstand frost and grow well in cool temperatures, making them ideal for fall and winter gardening. Whether you’re growing them in a greenhouse, cold frame, or directly in the garden, winter lettuce provides delicious, crisp leaves for salads and more. Here’s a guide to the top 20 varieties of winter lettuce, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Winter Lettuce Varieties to Grow

1. Winter Density

Tips: Winter Density is a compact, butterhead lettuce that thrives in cold weather. Plant in fall for an overwinter harvest or in early spring for an early crop.
Facts: Known for its crisp leaves and mild flavor, Winter Density is highly resistant to cold and frost.

2. Valdor

Tips: Valdor lettuce performs best in colder conditions and can be grown in a cold frame or under row covers. Sow seeds in fall or late summer.
Facts: This hardy winter lettuce has thick, dark green leaves that are perfect for adding crunch to winter salads.

3. Marvel of Four Seasons

Tips: Plant this butterhead variety in fall for winter or early spring harvests. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light frost.
Facts: As its name suggests, Marvel of Four Seasons is adaptable to different conditions and produces colorful leaves with a sweet, mild flavor.

4. Rouge d’Hiver

Tips: Rouge d’Hiver is a cold-tolerant romaine lettuce that grows best in cool weather. Start seeds in late summer for a fall or winter crop.
Facts: This French heirloom variety has red-tinted leaves and a mild, buttery flavor, perfect for adding color to salads.

5. Brune d’Hiver

Tips: Brune d’Hiver lettuce is ideal for winter growing, as it can tolerate cold temperatures. Plant in late summer for a fall or winter harvest.
Facts: This French heirloom has thick, bronze-tinted leaves and a rich, slightly bitter flavor, perfect for winter salads.

6. Merveille des Quatre Saisons

Tips: Plant in early fall for a winter harvest, or in spring for an early summer crop. This lettuce prefers cool weather and well-drained soil.
Facts: Known for its beautiful red and green leaves, this butterhead lettuce is sweet, tender, and highly cold-resistant.

7. North Pole

Tips: North Pole is highly frost-tolerant and perfect for overwintering in a cold frame. Sow seeds in fall for a winter crop.
Facts: This fast-growing variety produces soft, light green leaves with a delicate, sweet flavor.

8. Cegolaine

Tips: Cegolaine grows best in cool temperatures and can tolerate frost. Plant in late summer or early fall for a winter or early spring harvest.
Facts: This butterhead variety has crisp, green leaves and is known for its resistance to cold weather and bolting.

9. Winter Marvel

Tips: Winter Marvel prefers cooler temperatures and can be grown in cold frames or directly in the garden. Sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Facts: This variety produces thick, dark green leaves that are perfect for adding crunch and sweetness to winter salads.

10. Black Seeded Simpson

Tips: Plant in late summer or early fall for a fall and winter harvest. This lettuce tolerates frost and grows well in cooler weather.
Facts: Black Seeded Simpson is an heirloom variety known for its light, tender leaves and fast growth.

11. Arctic King

Tips: Arctic King is ideal for overwintering, thriving in cold weather and frost. Plant in late summer or early fall for winter harvests.
Facts: Known for its large, soft leaves and mild flavor, Arctic King is a popular choice for winter salads.

12. Reine des Glaces (Ice Queen)

Tips: This crisphead lettuce prefers cool temperatures and grows best when planted in fall for an overwinter harvest.
Facts: Reine des Glaces has a crisp texture and ice-green leaves with a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor.

13. Salad Bowl

Tips: Salad Bowl grows well in cooler weather, making it a great choice for fall and winter planting. Sow seeds in late summer for continuous harvests.
Facts: This loose-leaf variety has tender, oak-shaped leaves that are perfect for fresh salads.

14. Outredgeous

Tips: Outredgeous prefers cool weather and can be grown in fall and winter. It tolerates light frost and can be planted in a cold frame.
Facts: This stunning red romaine lettuce has vibrant, tender leaves that add color and flavor to salads.

15. May King

Tips: May King is perfect for early spring planting or overwintering in mild climates. It prefers cooler weather and can tolerate frost.
Facts: This butterhead variety produces compact heads with light green, tender leaves and a sweet, mild flavor.

16. Vailan (Winter Gem)

Tips: Vailan grows well in cold weather and is highly frost-tolerant. Plant in fall for an early winter harvest or overwinter for early spring crops.
Facts: This small, romaine-type lettuce produces crisp, sweet leaves that are perfect for salads and sandwiches.

17. Breen

Tips: Breen grows best in cooler temperatures and tolerates frost well. It can be grown in fall or winter with protection from extreme cold.
Facts: This mini-romaine variety has reddish-bronze leaves and a crisp, tender texture with a mild flavor.

18. Little Gem

Tips: Little Gem is a compact variety that thrives in cool weather. Plant in early fall for a winter harvest or in late winter for early spring crops.
Facts: Known for its small, crunchy heads, Little Gem is perfect for salads and sandwiches.

19. Jericho

Tips: Jericho prefers cooler temperatures and is frost-tolerant, making it a good choice for fall and winter planting.
Facts: This heat-resistant romaine variety produces sweet, crisp leaves, even in cooler conditions.

20. Green Oakleaf

Tips: Green Oakleaf grows well in both fall and winter and can tolerate light frost. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.
Facts: This loose-leaf variety has tender, lobed leaves with a mild flavor, perfect for winter salads.

Common Questions About Growing Winter Lettuce

Q: When should I plant winter lettuce?
A: Winter lettuce is typically planted in late summer or early fall to ensure a fall and winter harvest. In mild climates, it can be overwintered for early spring harvests.

Q: Can I grow winter lettuce in containers?
A: Yes, winter lettuce grows well in containers. Use pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep, with good drainage, and place them in a sunny, sheltered location. Container gardening is ideal for small spaces and allows you to move the plants indoors during extreme weather.

Q: How long does winter lettuce take to grow?
A: Winter lettuce varieties are fast-growing and can be ready to harvest in 4-8 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Some varieties may take longer when grown in colder weather.

Q: How do I protect my winter lettuce from frost?
A: Winter lettuce is frost-tolerant, but for added protection, you can use row covers, cold frames, or cloches to shield the plants from extreme cold and frost, especially during hard freezes.

Q: Can I harvest winter lettuce multiple times?
A: Yes, most winter lettuce varieties can be harvested multiple times using the “cut-and-come-again” method. Simply cut the outer leaves and allow the inner leaves to continue growing for future harvests.