Description

Romaine is arguably the most recognizable and versatile of all lettuces, famous for its use in the classic Caesar salad. It forms a tall, upright head of sturdy, deep green leaves with a firm rib down the centre. The leaves are crisp, providing an incredible crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty flavour that is less bitter than many other varieties. Its robust nature means it stands up well to heavy dressings, holds its crunch in sandwiches, and is even sturdy enough for light grilling or braising.

When to Plant: Romaine is relatively heat-tolerant compared to other butterhead types, making it a great option for an extended Maltese season. Plant your seedlings in the autumn (September onwards), throughout the winter, and into late spring (May). It thrives in the mild climate.

Location/Sun: Choose a location that provides full sun in the cooler months. When planting in late spring or summer, protect it from the harshest midday sun by placing it in an area with morning sun only or partial afternoon shade.

Soil & Potting: Plant into a fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter (compost). If growing in containers, ensure the pot is deep enough (at least 25 cm) to support the tall head, and space plants about 30 cm apart.

Watering: Like all lettuce, Romaine needs consistent moisture. Water regularly, ensuring the soil never dries out completely. Keep the watering steady to avoid stressing the plant, which can cause it to bolt and turn bitter.

Fertiliser: A standard vegetable feed, like a diluted seaweed solution, every 3 weeks will support its rapid growth.

Harvesting:
Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing, for a continuous supply.
Head Harvest: Wait until the centre forms a nice, compact head, then harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the base. Romaine generally takes 70-90 days from seed, but your seedlings will be ready much sooner.

Bolting: Romaine is slower to bolt than some other varieties, but extreme heat will trigger it. When the weather gets hot, be vigilant: increase watering and provide shade to prolong the harvest.

Why Buy Seedlings? Enjoy the ultimate crunch in your salads sooner! Our established Romaine Lettuce seedlings skip the slow germination phase, offering a robust plant that is ready to transplant immediately for a quick and rewarding harvest in your Maltese garden or balcony.