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
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Plant Type: Cool-season leafy vegetable annual.
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Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
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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.
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Position: Full sun in cool weather; light shade during hot spells.
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Sow Depth: 5–10 mm
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Spacing: 15-30 cm apart, depending on whether harvesting baby leaves or larger heads.
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Germination: Best in cool, evenly moist conditions; heat above about 27 °C can inhibit emergence
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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.
