How to Plant and Grow ‘Winter Density’ Lettuce

How to Plant and Grow ‘Winter Density’ Lettuce Lactuca sativa ‘Winter Density’

Unless you frequently experiment with different lettuce varieties, it can be easy to think that there isn’t that much difference between them.

But then you bite into ‘Winter Density,’ and it’s like opening the door to a hidden world.

‘Winter Density’ has a juicy, crisp texture and a sweet flavor that stands out from your common store-bought romaine.

Plus, it’s so adaptable and easy to grow that you can pop some seeds in the ground and basically forget about it until it’s time to enjoy the leaves.

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If you’ve grown lettuce before, then you know the routine – if not, be sure to check out our guide to growing lettuce for all the basics. ‘Winter Density’ doesn’t require any special care – or much care at all.

Coming up, this guide will cover everything you need to know, including:

No one is sure exactly where this fantastic cultivar came from, though we know it was bred in the 1800s in England.

It was introduced to France and became wildly popular there in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

‘Winter Density’ is a cross between a butterhead and a romaine lettuce, with eight-inch-tall heads that mature in about 55 to 65 days.

It has an upright growth habit and a dense heart. It is tolerant of frost and will produce nicely even in partial sun. It won’t bolt in moderate heat or a freeze, either.

You may also see it marketed as ‘Craquerelle du Midi’ or ‘Craquante D’Avignon.’

After harvest, the heads can last up to a week when stored properly, which is longer than most lettuce cultivars.

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