Lettuce Mix

Our Lettuce Mix is a diverse and colourful blend of romaine, loose leaf, and butterhead varieties, developed and selected at Metchosin Farm since 2004. This mix includes both cultivated and wild lettuces that have thrived in our coastal garden over the years. We’ve chosen these lettuces for their early germination, sweet flavour, beautiful leaf textures and colours, and resilience to heat and cold. Whether you’re growing for baby leaves or full heads, this mix brings variety, vigour, and reliability to your salad bowl.

Where Can You Grow Lettuce Mix?
Lettuce Mix grows well across Zones 3-9 in full sun to part shade. It thrives in cool spring and fall weather and prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Suitable for raised beds, row gardens, and container growing.

History and Historical Uses
This custom mix reflects years of naturalised growth and careful selection at Metchosin Farm. It includes lettuces from seed trades, heritage varieties, and wild volunteers that have adapted to our coastal climate. Lettuce has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and continues to be one of the most widely grown leafy vegetables globally.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Sow directly outdoors as early as February and again in late summer for fall crops.
Zones 5-7: Start indoors in early spring or sow directly once the soil is workable.
Zones 3-4: Begin indoors and transplant out after the last frost; provide summer shade for extended harvests.

How to Grow and Harvest Lettuce Mix

Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (1/8in) deep, spaced 15-30cm (6-12in) apart for heads, or densely for baby leaves.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist for tender growth; mulch to retain moisture.
Harvesting: Cut leaves as needed or harvest entire plants; successive sowing ensures a continuous supply.
Maintenance: Thin young plants to reduce crowding and improve air flow.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Select Strong Plants: Allow several healthy plants to bolt and flower.
Collect Seeds: When seed heads dry and become fluffy, cut and gather into a paper bag.
Dry and Clean: Remove chaff and let seeds dry completely.
Store: Keep in a cool, dark, dry place in airtight containers. Viable for 4–6 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)