Skyphos
Lactuca sativa
Beautiful large dark red heads with nicely contrasting green centers. Excellent flavor and texture. The surest heading of red butterheads. Utility Patent granted. MT0-30. Also available with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Harvest
47d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Skyphos in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Skyphos · 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 | May – 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
Store freshly harvested Skyphos immediately in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels inside perforated plastic bags. Keep at 32-36°F with high humidity (95-98%) for optimal storage. Properly stored heads maintain quality for 7-10 days, though peak crispness occurs within the first 3-4 days.
Avoid washing before storage—clean just before use to prevent premature deterioration. Remove any damaged outer leaves before storing. For short-term storage, place cut heads stem-down in shallow water and cover with plastic bags.
While lettuce doesn't preserve well through traditional methods like canning or drying, you can extend usability by blanching leaves for 30 seconds and freezing them for use in cooked dishes like soups or stir-fries. Fermented lettuce can be made into kimchi-style preparations, though the delicate texture changes significantly. Consider succession planting rather than preservation for continuous fresh harvests.
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 flavor
Chives
Deters aphids and other pests with strong scent
Carrots
Loosens soil for lettuce roots, compatible growing requirements
Radishes
Quick harvest leaves space for lettuce, breaks up soil
Marigolds
Repels nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial insects
Spinach
Similar growing conditions, efficient space usage
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Garlic
Natural pest deterrent, repels aphids and slugs
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes for nutrients and space, similar pest vulnerabilities
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
Sunflowers
Creates too much shade and competes heavily for nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Downy Mildew (EU) races 16-26, 32 (High); Downy Mildew (US) races 5-9 (High); Lettuce Leaf Aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (High); Lettuce Mosaic Virus (Intermediate)
Common Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, leaf miners
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bacterial soft rot