Waldmann's Green
Lactuca sativa 'Waldmann's Green'
A legendary loose-leaf lettuce variety developed specifically for winter greenhouse growing but equally excellent in outdoor gardens. Known for its exceptional cold tolerance and ability to produce tender, dark green leaves even in challenging conditions. This reliable variety has been a favorite among both commercial and home growers for decades.
Harvest
45-50d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Waldmann's Green in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Waldmann's Green · 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 Waldmann's Green stores exceptionally well compared to most leaf lettuces. Immediately after harvest, rinse leaves in cold water and spin dry thoroughly. Wrap clean, dry leaves in paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity. Properly stored leaves maintain quality for 7-10 days.
For longer preservation, blanch leaves in boiling water for 45 seconds, shock in ice water, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months—though texture will be suitable only for cooking. Dehydrating at 95°F creates lettuce powder excellent for seasoning and green smoothies. The mild flavor also makes it suitable for lacto-fermentation when mixed with stronger vegetables like cabbage in kimchi or sauerkraut recipes.
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
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, helps break up soil
Radishes
Quick growth helps break up soil, acts as trap crop for flea beetles
Marigolds
Repels nematodes and aphids, attracts beneficial insects
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, edible companion
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties, repels aphids and slugs
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps
Spinach
Similar growing requirements, efficient use of garden space
Keep Apart
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes for nutrients, can shade out lettuce
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent cold tolerance, good disease resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, leafminers, cutworms, slugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tip burn