Dark Roden has the most fabulous glossy, dark burgundy leaves to add flavour and colour to your meals. Initially they resemble a lollo type (looseleaf) then they form more upright, vase-shaped plants. They are suitable for growing in containers or the garden, picking at 6-10 weeks, and best for spring and autumn sowing.
SOW: choose spring or autumn sowing for the best Dark Roden lettuces. They can be started in modules and transplanted or sown in situ. Sowing a little seed every 2-3 weeks will give you a succession of lettuces.
GROW: initially they resemble a lollo type then they form upright, vase-shaped plants that are suitable for growing in containers or the garden. Strong summer sun will not suit Dark Roden – grow in a shady spot or grow a summer type at this time of year!
ENJOY: on its own or mix with other leaves & ingredients that will provide a foil to the fabulous dark leaves
Spring and Autumn lettuces
We are very used to bright green lettuces all through the year, and this is perfectly possible to produce from your own garden. Dark leaf lettuces are a little fussier about their growing conditions and most, like Dark Roden, do not enjoy being baked by the summer heat. They will grow but will often rush into sending up a spike to flower – this is called bolting. It is a natural response to conditions and is nothing to worry about except that the plant is putting its energy into bolting and the flavour of the lettuce is, well let’s just say it isn’t worth eating once it starts to bolt!
So, what can you do about this…
Stick to sowing in the spring and autumn when the cooler conditions suit the variety.
Try a summer sowing in a shady (and breezy place) but be prepared to eat at a young stage before the lettuces have a chance to bolt – the shade will also keep the leaves protected from being scorched by the sun.
Enjoy a seasonal change in the lettuces you grow as there is no need to eat exactly the same variety all year long
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