Salanova Green Oakleaf
Lactuca sativa 'Salanova Green Oakleaf'
A revolutionary multi-leaf lettuce that produces dozens of individual leaves from a single cut, eliminating tedious leaf-by-leaf harvesting. This innovative breeding breakthrough combines the classic oakleaf shape and mild flavor with incredible convenience – one head yields enough perfectly sized leaves for an entire salad. The compact, uniform plants are ideal for small gardens and containers while delivering restaurant-quality results.
Harvest
55-65d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Salanova Green Oakleaf in USDA Zone 7
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Salanova Green Oakleaf · 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 Salanova Green Oakleaf unwashed in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in damp paper towels inside a perforated plastic bag. This maintains optimal humidity while allowing air circulation. Properly stored, it stays fresh for 7-10 days – longer than most lettuce varieties due to its sturdy leaf structure.
Wash leaves only when ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay. For best flavor and texture, use within 5 days of harvest. Unlike heartier greens, lettuce doesn't freeze, can, or dry well. However, you can extend the harvest season by succession planting every 2 weeks, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Consider fermenting older outer leaves into a mild sauerkraut-style condiment, though this is uncommon for lettuce varieties.
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 commonly attack lettuce
Marigolds
Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Radishes
Loosens soil for lettuce roots and deters flea beetles and aphids
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots help break up soil
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on lettuce pests
Dill
Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control aphids on lettuce
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes aggressively for nitrogen and can shade delicate lettuce
Sunflowers
Produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Walnut Trees
Releases juglone, a toxic compound that severely stunts or kills lettuce plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to tip burn and bolting
Common Pests
Aphids, slugs, flea beetles
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus