HeirloomContainer OK

Rouge d'Hiver

Lactuca sativa 'Rouge d'Hiver'

A stunning French heirloom romaine that translates to 'Red of Winter,' showcasing deep burgundy outer leaves with bright green hearts. This cold-hardy beauty not only survives frost but actually develops better color and sweeter flavor in cool weather. A must-grow for gardeners seeking both beauty and exceptional taste in their winter gardens.

Harvest

55-65d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

'Allstar Mix'

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Rouge d'Hiver in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 lettuce →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Rouge d'Hiver · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing8-10 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.2-6.8

Water1 inch per week, consistent but not waterlogged

SeasonCool season

FlavorSweet, crisp, and nutty with no bitterness even in cold weather

ColorDeep burgundy red outer leaves with bright green hearts

Size6-8 inch heads, individual leaves 3-4 inches wide

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

Fresh Rouge d'Hiver stores best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in damp paper towels inside a perforated plastic bag. This method maintains humidity while allowing air circulation, keeping heads fresh for 7-10 days. The burgundy outer leaves may darken slightly but remain perfectly edible.

For longer storage, remove any damaged outer leaves, rinse gently, and spin dry before refrigerating. Store at 32-35°F with 90-95% humidity for optimal freshness. Unlike many lettuces, Rouge d'Hiver actually improves in flavor after a few days of cold storage.

While lettuce doesn't freeze well for fresh eating, Rouge d'Hiver's sturdy leaves work excellently when briefly blanched and used in cooked dishes. The outer burgundy leaves can be braised or added to soups, while the tender inner leaves are perfect for wilted salads.

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

Loosens soil for lettuce roots and doesn't compete for same nutrients

Radishes

Acts as natural pest trap and breaks up soil, harvested before lettuce needs space

Marigolds

Repels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack lettuce

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and can be interplanted for succession harvesting

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases like downy mildew

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away from lettuce

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings that prey on lettuce pests

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Competes for nitrogen and space, can shade out lettuce with large leaves

Sunflowers

Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

Fennel

Strong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of most vegetables including lettuce

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)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent cold tolerance and resistance to bolting in heat

Common Pests

Aphids, slugs, cutworms, deer

Diseases

Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bacterial leaf spot

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold can Rouge d'Hiver lettuce tolerate?▼

Rouge d'Hiver can survive temperatures down to 20°F with row cover protection, and actually improves in flavor after light frosts in the upper 20s to low 30s. The cold exposure enhances both the burgundy coloration and sweet, nutty flavor that makes this variety special.

When should I plant Rouge d'Hiver lettuce seeds?▼

For best results, direct sow Rouge d'Hiver in late August through September in zones 6-8, or October in zones 9-10. The key is timing your planting so the lettuce matures during cool weather, which develops the signature burgundy color and sweet flavor.

Can you grow Rouge d'Hiver lettuce in containers?▼

Yes, Rouge d'Hiver grows excellently in containers at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage, and place containers where they receive morning sun but afternoon shade in warmer zones. Container growing actually makes it easier to protect plants during harsh weather.

What does Rouge d'Hiver lettuce taste like?▼

Rouge d'Hiver has a sweet, crisp, and nutty flavor with no bitterness, even in cold weather. The taste actually becomes more complex and sweeter after exposure to light frost, developing subtle earthy notes that make it exceptional for both raw salads and cooked preparations.

Why isn't my Rouge d'Hiver lettuce turning red?▼

Rouge d'Hiver only develops its signature burgundy coloration when exposed to cool temperatures below 50°F. If grown in warm weather, it remains green. For best color development, grow during fall, winter, or early spring when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 45°F.

Is Rouge d'Hiver good for beginner gardeners?▼

Rouge d'Hiver is moderately challenging for beginners because timing is crucial for proper color and flavor development. However, it's very forgiving once established and actually easier than many lettuces because it tolerates weather fluctuations and has excellent disease resistance in cool conditions.