Jericho
Lactuca sativa
Attractive, fast-growing, bright green lettuce for baby leaf. Seed densely for narrower petioles and leaves. Sometimes grown as a full-size head. Tolerant to both heat and tipburn. MT0-30. USDA Certified Organic.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Jericho in USDA Zone 7
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Jericho · 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
Store freshly harvested Jericho lettuce in the refrigerator immediately after harvest to maintain its exceptional crispness. Wrap whole heads loosely in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity. Properly stored heads maintain peak quality for 10-14 days—significantly longer than most romaine varieties.
For longer-term preservation, Jericho's sturdy leaves make it ideal for dehydrating into lettuce powder for seasoning blends, though this isn't common practice. The variety's exceptional structure also makes it suitable for brief blanching and freezing for use in cooked applications like stir-fries or soups, though texture will soften considerably.
Avoid washing before storage unless necessary, as excess moisture promotes decay. If you must wash, use cold water, spin completely dry, and consume within 3-4 days. The variety's natural crisp texture helps it maintain quality better than softer lettuces when properly handled.
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, maximizing soil use without competition
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes loosen soil for lettuce and can be harvested before lettuce needs space
Marigolds
Repel nematodes, aphids, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases and deter slugs
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can provide mutual shade in hot weather
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling ants
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control lettuce pests
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Large leaves create excessive shade and compete heavily for soil nutrients
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Fennel
Strong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of lettuce and most other garden plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Superior heat tolerance, excellent bolt resistance, good downy mildew resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, leafminers, caterpillars
Diseases
Bacterial spot, lettuce drop, tipburn in extreme conditions