Coastal Star
Lactuca sativa 'Coastal Star'
An exceptional heat-tolerant romaine lettuce specifically bred for challenging growing conditions and extended seasons. This variety produces tall, crisp heads with outstanding bolt resistance and the ability to maintain sweet flavor even in warm weather when other lettuces turn bitter. Coastal Star is a game-changer for gardeners in hot climates who thought they couldn't grow quality lettuce in summer.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Coastal Star in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Coastal Star · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | March – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Coastal Star keeps 10-14 days in the refrigerator when properly stored. Immediately after harvest, rinse leaves in cold water and spin dry thoroughly. Store whole heads wrapped loosely in paper towels inside perforated plastic bags in your crisper drawer at 32-35°F.
For cut leaves, store in airtight containers lined with paper towels, replacing towels if they become damp. Coastal Star's thick, sturdy leaves maintain their crisp texture longer than most lettuce varieties.
While lettuce doesn't preserve well long-term, you can blanch and freeze Coastal Star for cooked applications like soups or stir-fries. The leaves also work well dehydrated into lettuce powder for seasoning. For immediate use, Coastal Star's heat tolerance makes it excellent for grilling—the thick leaves won't wilt as quickly as standard romaine varieties.
History & Origin
Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Chives
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
Carrots
Deep roots complement lettuce's shallow roots, efficient space usage without competition
Radishes
Break up soil for lettuce roots and mature quickly, allowing succession planting
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can provide shade during hot weather
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases and repel pests
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce from pest damage
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade out lettuce
Sunflowers
Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Parsley
Can attract carrot flies and compete for similar nutrients in the root zone
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Exceptional heat tolerance, slow bolting, good tip burn resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, leafminers, occasional caterpillars
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bacterial leaf spot