'Lava Lamp Romaine' Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Origin: Philomath, Oregon

Improvement status: Cultivar

Seeds per packet: ~150

Germination tested 11/2024: 94%

Life cycle: Annual

Our buddy Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds in Oregon has bred hundreds of plants, many of which will be grown and cherished for a long time. But it's lettuce that has most set Wild Garden Seeds apart, and this beauty is as fine example of Frank's work as you can find.

Here's what Frank says about it: "Part of the retro romaine scene you won't want to miss... convections of red and yellow in high contrast hearts of romaine. Includes 'Crisp Mint' in the parentage, which comes through in the crunch. Best at full maturity, and remains non-bitter even at onset of bolting."

Frank also notes that it probably makes a good "celtuce" (or stem lettuce), which is popular in Chinese cookery.

Our seed comes from Wild Garden Seeds in Philomath, Oregon.

This variety carries the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) pledge, which states: “You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict other's use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.” More information on OSSI can be found at osseeds.org.