Devil's Ear Lettuce

Devil’s Ear Lettuce is a visually striking and delicious lettuce variety, known for its triangular leaves that shift from deep green at the base to rich purple at the tips. This dense-heading lettuce is perfect for home gardens and market growers, producing crisp, smooth leaves with a buttery texture and mild flavour.

Ideal for fresh salads and sandwiches, this variety thrives in cooler weather and is slow to bolt, ensuring a longer harvest window for gardeners.

Where Can You Grow Devil’s Ear Lettuce?

Devil’s Ear Lettuce thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is well-suited for raised beds, container gardening, and open field production.

History and Historical Uses

Lettuce has been cultivated for over 4,000 years, with countless varieties developed for their unique flavours and textures. Devil’s Ear Lettuce stands out for its unusual leaf shape, colouration, and crisp bite, making it a favourite among lettuce enthusiasts and chefs.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8-9: Direct sow in autumn or early spring for an extended harvest.
Zones 5-7: Sow seeds in early spring and late summer to avoid summer heat.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors in early spring or direct sow as soon as soil is workable.

How to Grow and Harvest Devil’s Ear Lettuce

1. Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (1/8in) deep, spacing plants 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist for the best texture and flavour.
3. Harvesting:
   • Pick individual leaves for continuous harvesting.
   • Cut entire heads just above the soil for a full harvest.
4. Bolting Prevention: Grow in cooler months or provide light shade in summer to slow bolting.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Allow to Flower and Seed: Leave some plants to fully mature and bolt.
2. Harvest Seeds: Once flower heads dry and turn brown, collect seeds before dispersal.
3. Dry and Clean: Remove seeds from husks and spread them on a towel to fully dry.
4. Store: Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 3 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)