Romaine lettuce Forellenschluss [Lactuca sativa var. romana]

The annual romaine lettuce 'Forellenschluss' is a crisp, sweet lettuce with open, elongated heads. A speciality for cultivation in the cooler seasons with a long harvest period. Ideal for pre-cultivation, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring and autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fresh leaves for salad.

 Description 
Romaine lettuce 'Forellenschluss' is an old, historic and annual leaf vegetable from the 19th century in Austria. This decorative and little-known variety is only cultivated by a few seed breeders. This popular romaine lettuce with a crisp midrib forms large, open heads with elongated, egg-shaped, green and red-speckled leaves. The stable, tender and crisp structure of the leaves tastes sweet, similar to iceberg lettuce. A very pretty specialty for growing in the cooler seasons. Very bolt-resistant selection with a long harvest window. For spring and autumn cultivation.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 5-20 °C
Germination time: 3-8 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Bean, Savory, Dill, Pea, Strawberry, Cucumber, Cabbage, Leek, Carrot, Radish, Horseradish, Rhubarb, Beetroot, Salsify, Tomato, Onion
Unfavorable mixed culture: Parsley, Celery

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation from January to April or in autumn from September to December is recommended. The plants are ideally placed in partial shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from February to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be placed in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Pre-cultivation is recommended for large heads of lettuce. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow until the first visible lettuce leaves appear, then transplant them into the desired containers. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Romaine lettuce 'Forellenschluss' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a staggered harvest, several sowings at intervals of 4 weeks are recommended. For a long harvest period, harvest 1/4 of the leaves from the outside to the inside and take care not to damage the heart in order to keep growth stable. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil and mixed planting are sufficient for lettuce. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Lactuca sativa var. romana
English names: Romaine lettuce
German names: Römersalat
Portuguese names: Alface romana
Spanish names: Lechuga romana
French names: Laitue romaine

 Origin 
Country: Portugal