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Crisp Mint Romaine

Lactuca sativa 'Crisp Mint'

A premium romaine variety bred for exceptional crispness and sweet flavor, living up to its name with refreshingly tender leaves that stay crisp even in summer heat. This modern hybrid combines the best traits of traditional romaine with improved bolt resistance and uniform head formation. The compact size makes it perfect for small gardens while delivering restaurant-quality lettuce for gourmet salads.

Harvest

55-65d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

'Allstar Mix'

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Crisp Mint Romaine in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Crisp Mint Romaine · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing8-10 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with good fertility

pH6.2-6.8

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorExceptionally crisp and sweet with refreshing, clean taste

ColorMedium to dark green with lighter green hearts

SizeCompact 8-10 inch heads

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

Store freshly harvested Crisp Mint Romaine in the refrigerator immediately after harvest for maximum shelf life of 7-10 days. Wrap unwashed heads loosely in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer. The ideal storage temperature is 32-36°F with high humidity around 95%.

For longer storage, separate outer leaves and wash thoroughly, then dry completely using a salad spinner. Store clean, dry leaves in airtight containers lined with paper towels, replacing towels as they become damp. This method maintains crispness for up to two weeks.

While romaine doesn't freeze or dry well due to high water content, you can preserve excess harvest by making and freezing pesto-style sauces with the outer leaves, or fermenting whole small heads in saltwater brine for a tangy preserved vegetable that keeps for months in cold storage.

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 attracting beneficial insects

Carrots

Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, provides ground coverage

Radishes

Fast-growing, helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space

Marigolds

Natural pest deterrent, repels nematodes and aphids that damage lettuce

Garlic

Strong scent deters slugs, snails, and aphids that commonly attack lettuce

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and root depth, good succession planting companion

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from lettuce

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control lettuce pests

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Large leaves create too much shade and compete for nutrients with lettuce

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

Fennel

Strong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of lettuce and most other vegetables

Nutrition Facts

Calories

17kcal(1%)

Protein

1.23g(2%)

Fiber

2.1g(8%)

Carbs

3.29g(1%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

4mg(4%)

Vitamin A

436mcg(48%)

Vitamin K

102mcg(85%)

Iron

0.97mg(5%)

Calcium

33mg(3%)

Potassium

247mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169247)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent bolt resistance, good downy mildew tolerance

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, leafminers, cabbage loopers

Diseases

Tipburn, lettuce drop, bacterial leaf spot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Crisp Mint Romaine take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

Crisp Mint Romaine takes 55-65 days from seed to harvest. If you start with transplants, expect harvest in 40-50 days after transplanting. Cool spring weather may extend this timeline by 7-10 days, while warm conditions can accelerate growth but may reduce head quality if temperatures exceed 80°F consistently.

Can you grow Crisp Mint Romaine in containers?▼

Yes, Crisp Mint Romaine is excellent for container growing due to its compact 6-8 inch mature size. Use containers at least 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide with drainage holes. Plant one head per container or space multiple plants 8 inches apart in larger containers. Ensure consistent moisture and provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Is Crisp Mint Romaine good for beginners?▼

Crisp Mint Romaine is ideal for beginning gardeners due to its forgiving nature and bolt resistance. It tolerates minor watering inconsistencies better than most lettuce varieties and grows reliably in both spring and fall. The main requirement is avoiding extreme heat, making it perfect for learning proper timing and basic lettuce care.

What does Crisp Mint Romaine taste like compared to regular romaine?▼

Crisp Mint Romaine has a notably sweeter, cleaner taste than traditional romaine varieties, with the signature crisp texture but without the bitter undertones that can develop in standard romaine, especially during warm weather. The flavor is refreshing and mild, making it perfect for Caesar salads and eating fresh.

When should I plant Crisp Mint Romaine for fall harvest?▼

Plant Crisp Mint Romaine 10-12 weeks before your first hard frost for fall harvest. In most regions, this means sowing seeds in mid to late summer. Fall-grown heads often have superior flavor and crispness compared to spring crops, as cool nights and moderate days create ideal growing conditions for this variety.

Why are my Crisp Mint Romaine leaves getting brown tips?▼

Brown tips on Crisp Mint Romaine typically indicate tip burn caused by inconsistent watering, calcium deficiency, or rapid temperature fluctuations. Maintain steady soil moisture, ensure good drainage, and provide consistent care. Adding calcium through bone meal or lime can help, but consistent watering is usually the key solution.