Hybrid

Green Giant

Brassica rapa var. perviridis

Wikimedia Commons

Harvest

21d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to part shade

☀️

Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Green Giant in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Green Giant · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMild, crisp, and tender with a clean lettuce flavor and good leaf texture.

ColorMedium to dark green

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	May – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	May – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	May – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	April – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	April – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	March – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	February – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	February – December
Zone 1	—	—	June – July	June – September
Zone 2	—	—	May – July	June – September
Zone 11	—	—	January – February	January – December
Zone 12	—	—	January – February	January – December
Zone 13	—	—	January – February	January – December

Succession Planting

Green Giant bolts fast once daytime temps push past 80°F, so the goal is to stay ahead of the heat. Direct sow every 14–18 days starting in late March, and plan your last spring sowing so harvest lands before your area sees sustained highs above 80°F. In zones 7–9 that usually means stopping new sowings by late April or early May. With a 21-day days-to-harvest, you can fit 3–4 rounds in a good spring window if you start on time.

Pick back up in late August for a fall run. Soil temps need to be below 75°F for reliable germination — if it's still hot, pre-chill seeds in a damp paper towel in the fridge for 2 days before sowing. Sow every 14 days through September, and you'll carry harvests into November in most of zones 7–9.

Complete Growing Guide

Broad, slightly cupped, rounded leaf. Faster growing and less-cupped leaf than Koji. Wider leaf, shorter petiole, and faster than Carlton. Komatsuna is similar to tatsoi, but has a denser, less juicy texture. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Green Giant is 21 baby to maturity, annual, hybrid (f1). Notable features: Cold Tolerant, Hydroponic Performer.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Green Giant reaches harvest at 21 baby from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

The fruits dry and split when ripe.

Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.

Storage & Preservation

Harvest Green Giant at peak tenderness, around day 21, and refrigerate immediately in a sealed plastic bag or container at 32–40°F with 95% humidity to maintain crispness. Fresh leaves will keep for 5–7 days before wilting noticeably. For longer preservation, blanch whole leaves for 2–3 minutes, ice-bath them quickly, then freeze in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for up to eight months. Fermentation works well too: finely shred the leaves, salt at 2–3%, and pack into jars under weight for a tangy condiment ready in 3–5 days. Drying is less practical due to the tender texture, though thin slicing and low-temperature dehydration (under 95°F) yields brittle chips for soups. Green Giant's rapid growth means successive plantings yield continuous harvests rather than bulk preservation needs.

History & Origin

Green Giant is an F1 hybrid developed through controlled cross-pollination. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Brassica is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are informally known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, mustard plants, or simply brassicas. Crops from this genus are sometimes called cole crops—derived from the Latin caulis, denoting the stem or stalk of a plant.

Advantages

+Matures quickly in just 21 days, ideal for succession planting
+Broad rounded leaves provide excellent yield per plant
+Less cupped than similar varieties, easier to harvest and clean
+Easy difficulty level makes it suitable for beginner growers
+Denser texture holds up better in cooking than juicy varieties

Considerations

-Shorter petiole may reduce harvestable leaf length per plant
-Wider leaves increase surface area vulnerable to pest damage
-Less juicy texture appeals to fewer culinary applications

Companion Plants

Basil and marigolds are the two companions worth planting close to Green Giant. Basil may help confuse aphids — those soft-bodied insects that target young brassica and leafy greens — by masking the scent of the leaves. French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are well-documented for deterring whiteflies and, when grown densely, for suppressing root-knot nematodes in the surrounding soil. Radishes are worth tucking in at the edges too: they germinate in 3–5 days, their foliage stays low, and they draw flea beetles away from your main crop before you pull them at 25–30 days.

Fennel is the one to exclude entirely — it releases allelopathic compounds from its roots that stunt nearby plants, and leafy greens like Green Giant are particularly sensitive to them. Broccoli causes a different problem: it's a heavy nitrogen competitor, and at 12 inches or closer it will pull from the same fertility pool you need for fast leaf production. Put them at opposite ends of the bed.

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids and whiteflies, may improve flavor

Chives

Deters aphids and other soft-bodied pests that damage lettuce

Marigolds

Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Carrots

Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximizes space

Radishes

Quick-growing crop helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs space

Nasturtiums

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

Garlic

Natural pest deterrent against aphids, slugs, and other lettuce pests

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient use of garden space

Keep Apart

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce growth and germination

Broccoli

Large leaves create too much shade and compete heavily for nutrients

Sunflowers

Allelopathic effects inhibit lettuce growth and massive size creates excessive shade

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)

Troubleshooting Green Giant

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Seedlings collapsing at soil level within the first 7–10 days after planting — stems look pinched or rotted at the base

Likely Causes

Damping off — typically Pythium spp. or Rhizoctonia solani — a fungal disease that thrives in cold, waterlogged soil
Overwatering or poorly draining seed-starting mix keeping the root zone constantly wet

What to Do

1.Pull the dead seedlings and check for fuzzy white mold on the soil surface; if you see it, treat remaining seedlings with a copper-based fungicide drench
2.Don't reuse the same bed for lettuce starts for at least one season — NC State Extension's IPM guidance specifically flags repeated lettuce plantings in the same spot as a setup for disease carryover
3.Start future seeds in fresh, sterile potting mix and water only when the top half-inch is dry

Leaves turning pale or yellowing from the outer edges inward, plant stalling out well under 3 feet

Likely Causes

Nitrogen deficiency from leached or low-fertility soil — Green Giant is a fast, leafy grower that needs consistent fertility to hit 21-day harvests
Root competition from nearby heavy feeders planted within 12 inches

What to Do

1.Side-dress with a balanced granular fertilizer (something around 10-10-10) at the 10-day mark, or drench with fish emulsion every 7 days
2.Make sure spacing is at least 12 inches — crowded plants can't access enough nutrients even in amended beds
3.If you're succession planting, refresh the bed with 1–2 inches of compost between rounds

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Green Giant lettuce take to harvest?▼

Green Giant lettuce reaches maturity in approximately 21 days from planting, making it one of the faster-growing lettuce varieties. This quick turnaround makes it ideal for succession planting throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest of fresh greens.

Is Green Giant lettuce good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, Green Giant is excellent for beginners. It's rated as an Easy difficulty variety and grows reliably with minimal care requirements. The hybrid nature ensures consistent performance, and the fast growing period provides quick gratification for new gardeners wanting to see results.

Can you grow Green Giant lettuce in containers?▼

Green Giant lettuce can be grown in containers, though specific spacing requirements should be followed. Container growing works well for this variety, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy fresh lettuce. Ensure containers have adequate drainage and consistent moisture for best results.

What does Green Giant lettuce taste like?▼

Green Giant features broad, slightly cupped rounded leaves with a tender texture. The flavor is mild and crisp, typical of quality lettuce varieties. The leaf structure is less cupped than some alternatives, providing good texture for salads and fresh preparations.

Does Green Giant lettuce need full sun to grow?▼

Green Giant thrives in full sun to part shade conditions, offering flexibility in garden placement. In cooler climates, full sun promotes faster growth, while in hot regions, afternoon shade can prevent bolting and extend the harvest period. This adaptability makes it suitable for various garden situations.

How is Green Giant lettuce different from Carlton lettuce?▼

Green Giant has a wider leaf, shorter petiole (stem), and faster growth rate compared to Carlton. These characteristics make Green Giant more efficient for commercial and home production. The improved leaf structure and quicker maturity give Green Giant advantages for succession planting strategies.