Nevada
Lactuca sativa 'Nevada'
A heat-warrior among lettuces, Nevada batavian was specifically bred to thrive in hot, challenging conditions where other varieties fail. This sturdy variety produces large, thick, savoy-textured leaves that stay sweet and crisp even in summer heat. The ultimate lettuce for gardeners in hot climates who thought they couldn't grow lettuce in summer.
Harvest
48-68d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Nevada in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Nevada · 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 Nevada lettuce stores exceptionally well due to its thick, sturdy leaves. Immediately after harvest, rinse in cold water and spin dry thoroughly. Store in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity. Properly stored Nevada maintains crispness for 7-10 days, significantly longer than heat-stressed summer lettuces.
Unlike tender varieties, Nevada's robust leaves handle preservation well. For freezing, blanch whole leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, shock in ice water, then freeze in portions for adding to soups and stews. The thick leaves also dehydrate successfully—use a food dehydrator at 135°F for 6-8 hours to create crispy lettuce chips. Nevada's substantial texture makes it one of the few lettuces suitable for quick pickling; submerge leaves in seasoned rice vinegar for a tangy garnish that keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks.
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 leaves
Garlic
Natural pest deterrent that repels slugs, aphids, and cabbage worms
Radishes
Break up soil for lettuce roots and mature quickly, acting as living mulch
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximize garden space
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient space utilization
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control aphids
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can overshadow lettuce
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of lettuce and most garden vegetables
Walnut trees
Release juglone compound that is toxic to lettuce and causes wilting
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 tolerance, good resistance to bolting and tipburn
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, leafminers in hot weather
Diseases
Downy mildew, bacterial spot, heat stress disorders