Muir
Lactuca sativa 'Muir'
A premium butterhead lettuce variety bred for superior heat tolerance and bolt resistance, making it perfect for extending the growing season into summer. This variety forms beautiful, dense heads with tender inner leaves and maintains its sweet flavor even as temperatures rise. A game-changer for gardeners in warm climates who struggle to grow lettuce in summer.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Muir in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Muir · 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 | July – 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 Muir lettuce immediately in the refrigerator crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity. Wrap loose heads in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags to maintain moisture while allowing air circulation. Properly stored heads maintain quality for 7-10 days, significantly longer than most butterhead varieties.
For best texture, avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay. If leaves begin wilting, revive them by soaking in ice water for 10-15 minutes before serving.
While lettuce doesn't preserve well through traditional methods, you can freeze Muir for cooked applications like soups or stir-fries by blanching whole leaves for 30 seconds, shocking in ice water, and freezing in portions. The tender leaves also work well in green smoothies when frozen. Dehydrating isn't recommended due to the high water content and delicate leaf structure.
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
Basil
Repels aphids and whiteflies, may improve lettuce flavor
Chives
Repels aphids and other pests while taking up minimal space
Carrots
Helps loosen soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for nutrients
Radishes
Quick-growing companion that helps break up soil and deters pests
Marigolds
Natural pest deterrent, repels aphids and nematodes
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can be succession planted together
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties and aphid deterrent
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and adds beneficial insects
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete aggressively
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Large leaves create excessive shade and compete for nutrients
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of lettuce and most vegetables
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds in roots can stunt lettuce growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent heat and bolt resistance, good downy mildew resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, leafminers, slugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tip burn