Lettuce Oakleaf Large Red Seed

Lettuce Oakleaf Large Red brings rich red colour and productive loose leaves to edible gardens, salad bowls and containers.

View the South Africa-specific grow guide: Lettuce Grow Guide for South Africa

Quick Grow Facts

• Plant Type: Cool-season leafy vegetable annual.
• Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
• General Sowing Time: Autumn to spring in most South African gardens; sow in small batches for continuous harvests and avoid peak summer heat where possible.
• Position: Full sun in cool weather; light shade during hot spells.
• Sow Depth: 5–10 mm
• Spacing: 15-30 cm apart, depending on whether harvesting baby leaves or larger heads.
• Germination: Best in cool, evenly moist conditions; heat above about 27 °C can inhibit emergence
• Height: Around 20-30 cm.

Why Grow This Variety

• Red oakleaf leaves bring colour and texture to salads.
• The loose-leaf growth type suits cut-and-come-again harvesting.
• Containers, raised beds, kitchen gardens and edible borders all suit the variety.
• Pelleted seed is easier to sow accurately than very fine raw seed.

Garden Uses

Plant Oakleaf Large Red with green lettuce, herbs or other cool-season vegetables, then harvest outer leaves regularly or cut larger plants for fresh salads.

Growing Notes

• Sow shallowly, about 5–10 mm, following the packet directions for raw or pelleted seed.
• Keep the seedbed cool and evenly moist; high soil temperatures can delay or reduce germination.
• Use full sun in cool weather and light afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
• Sow small batches in the variety’s recommended seasonal window for steadier harvests.
• Harvest loose leaves as needed or cut the head before heat triggers bolting.

Brought to you by Ubuntuberg Seeds, where our mission is to cultivate humanity & harvest unity. Ubuntuberg Seeds: the highest quality seed stock in all of Southern Africa, sourced from sustainable farms, guaranteeing you the best quality seed stock.