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Great Lakes

Lactuca sativa 'Great Lakes'

A classic crisphead lettuce that delivers the satisfying crunch of iceberg but with better heat tolerance and garden performance. This reliable variety forms dense, well-blanched heads with crisp, sweet leaves that stay fresh longer than most lettuce types. Perfect for gardeners who want that classic lettuce experience without the challenges of growing true iceberg varieties.

Harvest

85-90d

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 Great Lakes in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 lettuce →

Zone Map

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Great Lakes · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing12-15 inches

SoilRich, well-drained loam with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorMild, sweet, and very crisp with minimal bitterness

ColorLight to medium green outer leaves, pale yellow-green interior

Size6-8 inch diameter heads, 1-2 lbs

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	July – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	July – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	June – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	May – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	April – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	April – 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 Great Lakes lettuce in the refrigerator crisper drawer wrapped in damp paper towels, then placed in a perforated plastic bag. Properly stored heads stay fresh and crisp for 1-2 weeks at 32-36°F with high humidity.

For longer storage, remove any damaged outer leaves, rinse the head briefly in cold water, and shake dry before wrapping. Never store near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or tomatoes, which cause rapid deterioration.

While lettuce doesn't preserve well through traditional methods, you can extend its usefulness by chopping and freezing it for cooked applications like soups and stir-fries. Dehydrating creates crispy lettuce chips when seasoned and dried at 135°F. The thick, crisp leaves also work well in fermented vegetables when combined with cabbage for sauerkraut-style preparations.

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 don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, helps aerate soil

Radishes

Quick-growing companions that help break up soil and deter root maggots

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and helps maximize space in cool-season gardens

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects and may improve lettuce growth when young

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can shade lettuce excessively

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

Parsley

Can stunt lettuce growth when planted too closely due to root competition

Nutrition Facts

Protein

0.742g(1%)

Carbs

3.37g(1%)

Fat

0.0738g(0%)

Vitamin K

20.5mcg(17%)

Iron

0.0332mg(0%)

Calcium

14.2mg(1%)

Potassium

139mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to tip burn, moderate resistance to downy mildew

Common Pests

Aphids, slugs, cutworms, flea beetles

Diseases

Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot, tip burn

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Great Lakes lettuce take to grow?▼

Great Lakes lettuce takes 85-90 days from seed to harvest. If you start with transplants, expect 65-70 days from transplanting to harvest. This longer maturity period compared to loose-leaf varieties is necessary for proper head formation, but the wait is worth it for the crisp, dense heads this variety produces.

Can you grow Great Lakes lettuce in containers?▼

Yes, Great Lakes grows well in containers that are at least 12 inches deep and 14 inches wide per plant. Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost, and ensure excellent drainage. Container growing actually helps control soil moisture and temperature, which can improve head formation. Choose containers with drainage holes and place them where plants receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

When should I plant Great Lakes lettuce?▼

Plant Great Lakes lettuce 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost, or 10-12 weeks before your first fall frost. In zones 7-9, it's best grown as a winter crop from October through February. Avoid planting when temperatures consistently exceed 75°F, as this will cause the plants to bolt before forming proper heads.

Is Great Lakes lettuce good for beginners?▼

Great Lakes lettuce is moderately challenging for beginners due to its long growing period and specific requirements for head formation. It's more forgiving than true iceberg varieties but still requires consistent watering, proper spacing, and timing. New gardeners might want to start with loose-leaf varieties before attempting head lettuce, though Great Lakes is the most beginner-friendly crisphead option.

What does Great Lakes lettuce taste like?▼

Great Lakes lettuce has a mild, sweet flavor with minimal bitterness and exceptional crispness similar to iceberg lettuce. The texture is the standout feature – thick, crunchy leaves that provide satisfying snap and hold up well in salads and sandwiches. The inner leaves are more tender and sweeter than outer leaves, with a clean, refreshing taste.

Great Lakes vs Iceberg lettuce - what's the difference?▼

Great Lakes offers similar crispness and flavor to iceberg but with much better heat tolerance and easier growing requirements for home gardeners. While commercial iceberg needs precise cool conditions, Great Lakes forms good heads in variable weather. Great Lakes heads are typically smaller (6-8 inches vs 10+ inches) but more reliable for home cultivation.