Mascara
Lactuca sativa 'Mascara'
A stunning red oakleaf lettuce with deeply lobed leaves that transition from green to burgundy red at the tips. This European variety brings both beauty and flavor to the garden, with tender leaves that have a subtle nutty taste. The dramatic coloring intensifies in cool weather, making it perfect for fall gardens and adding visual interest to any salad.
Harvest
50-60d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Mascara in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Mascara · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | March – 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 Mascara lettuce keeps best when stored properly in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Wrap unwashed heads loosely in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags. This maintains humidity while allowing air circulation, keeping leaves crisp for 7-10 days.
Wash leaves only when ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay. If you must wash before storing, use a salad spinner to remove moisture thoroughly, then store with dry paper towels to absorb any remaining water.
While lettuce doesn't freeze well for traditional preservation, you can extend its usefulness by making compound herb butters with chopped leaves, freezing them in ice cube trays. The tender leaves also work well dehydrated into seasoning powder using a food dehydrator at 95°F for 6-8 hours. For immediate use, Mascara's beautiful coloring makes it perfect for pickling the stems and ribs in light vinegar brines, creating colorful garnishes that keep for weeks refrigerated.
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 other soft-bodied insects that damage lettuce
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots help break up soil
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes help break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Spinach
Similar growing conditions and shallow roots make them compatible companions
Garlic
Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids and slugs that commonly attack lettuce
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes for nutrients and space, both being heavy feeders with similar root zones
Fennel
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of lettuce
Parsley
Can attract carrot flies and competes for similar nutrients in the same soil layer
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good bolt resistance in cool weather. Moderate downy mildew resistance.
Common Pests
Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles
Diseases
Downy mildew, bottom rot, lettuce mosaic virus