Best Types of Leaf Lettuce to Grow in Michigan

Growing leaf lettuce in Michigan can be highly rewarding due to the state’s cool spring and fall seasons, which are ideal for lettuce growth. Lettuce thrives in cooler temperatures and can even handle light frosts, making Michigan’s climate well-suited for this crop. Here are some of the best types of leaf lettuce to grow in Michigan and tips for ensuring a successful harvest.

1. Black Seeded Simpson

  • Description: This heirloom variety is one of the most popular types of leaf lettuce due to its fast-growing, tender, and slightly crinkled leaves. It has a mild flavor and is ready for harvest in about 40-50 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: Black Seeded Simpson tolerates both cool and warm temperatures, making it suitable for Michigan’s unpredictable spring weather. It also has some resistance to bolting in warmer conditions.

2. Red Sails

  • Description: A beautiful variety known for its red-tinted leaves, Red Sails has a mild, sweet flavor and a delicate, frilly texture. It matures in 45-55 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: This variety grows well in cool temperatures and has a slow-to-bolt habit, making it perfect for extending the growing season in Michigan. Its attractive red leaves also add visual interest to any garden.

3. Oakleaf Lettuce

  • Description: Named for its distinctive oak-shaped leaves, Oakleaf lettuce comes in both green and red varieties. It has a soft texture and a mild, buttery taste. Maturity ranges from 40-55 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: Oakleaf lettuce grows quickly and can handle cooler temperatures. It’s an excellent choice for early spring planting, as it tolerates light frosts and resists bolting in warm weather.

4. Salad Bowl (Green and Red)

  • Description: Salad Bowl is a compact lettuce variety with deeply lobed leaves, offering both green and red options. The leaves are tender and perfect for fresh salads. It matures in about 50 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: This lettuce is extremely bolt-resistant, making it ideal for Michigan’s transition from cool to warm weather. It also has good cold tolerance, allowing for early spring and late fall planting.

5. Buttercrunch Lettuce

  • Description: A type of loose-leaf lettuce, Buttercrunch has a buttery texture with a mild, sweet flavor. Although it’s technically a Bibb-type lettuce, it can be grown as a leaf lettuce when harvested young. It matures in about 50-55 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: Buttercrunch is tolerant of cooler weather, making it perfect for spring and fall growing in Michigan. It holds up well in both cold and warm conditions, offering flexibility in planting times.

6. Lollo Rossa

  • Description: Lollo Rossa is an Italian heirloom lettuce with frilly, red-tinged leaves. It has a slightly spicy flavor and is often used as a garnish or in mixed salads. It matures in about 50-60 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: This variety is particularly cold-tolerant, making it a good choice for early spring planting in Michigan. Its slow-bolting nature also helps extend the harvest period during warmer months.

7. Grand Rapids Lettuce

  • Description: Grand Rapids lettuce is a curly-leaf variety that produces tender, crunchy leaves. It was developed in Michigan, so it’s specifically suited to the local climate. It matures in about 45-55 days.
  • Why It’s Good for Michigan: As a local variety, Grand Rapids lettuce is well-adapted to the cooler growing conditions in Michigan. It’s highly productive and resistant to bolting, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in the state.

Growing Tips for Leaf Lettuce in Michigan

  1. Planting Times: In Michigan, the best time to plant leaf lettuce is in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, which is usually in April. You can also plant a second crop in late summer (August) for a fall harvest. Lettuce prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F for optimal growth.

  2. Soil Preparation: Lettuce grows best in well-drained, loose soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost or aged manure before planting will improve soil fertility and moisture retention.

  3. Sunlight Requirements: Leaf lettuce prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in the warmer months. In Michigan’s hot summer, consider using shade cloth or planting lettuce in an area that gets afternoon shade to prevent bolting.

  4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as leaf lettuce has shallow roots. Watering regularly is crucial, especially during dry spells, to keep the leaves tender and prevent them from becoming bitter.

  5. Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, consider planting lettuce seeds every 2-3 weeks. This will allow for successive harvests and ensure you have fresh leaves throughout the growing season.

  6. Harvesting: Leaf lettuce can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat, usually within 30-60 days depending on the variety. Harvest the outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing, or cut the entire plant an inch above the soil line for regrowth.

Conclusion

Michigan’s cool spring and fall seasons make it ideal for growing a variety of leaf lettuces. Whether you choose classic varieties like Black Seeded Simpson or opt for a local favorite like Grand Rapids, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, crisp lettuce by following the right planting and care techniques