Freckles Romaine Lettuce (Forellenschluss)

source: MIGardener

Freckles heirloom lettuce, originally known by the German name of "Forellenschluss," which means "speckled like a trout's back," originally came from Austria and Southern Germany in the late 18th century. This Romaine lettuce has green leaves splashed with red which darkens as the lettuce matures. A little bolder in taste than the standard lettuce, this heat tolerant and bolt-resistant. Freckles romaine lettuce seeds grows well in cool weather, so the first crop can be direct sown when the soil temperature reaches at least 35 degrees F, or as soon as the soil can be worked. If the soil temperature rises above 75 degrees F, the Freckles romaine lettuce seeds become dormant. Direct sow the seed in rich soil and full sun, spreading them as thinly as possible in rows 1-2' apart; when the seedlings begin to grow, thin them to a distance of 10-12". Succession crops can be grown for fresh lettuce all season long by planting a new crop every 2 weeks. Since heirloom romaine lettuce has very shallow roots, it needs adequate moisture in order to stay tender and sweet; keep the soil evenly moist. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture and control weeds.


Lettuce retains its crisp sweetness best when harvested in the morning. For microgreens, cut the entire plant above the surface of the soil as soon as it reaches a height of 2-3". Most types of lettuce will produce a second or even third crop after being cut, if the weather stays temperate. Leaves of lettuce can be gathered all season until the main stem of the plant starts to grow, at which time the leaves will grow bitter. To harvest the entire plant when mature, cut it just above the surface of the soil; lettuce tastes best when fresh, but keeps in the refrigerator for about a week.

-Phyllis