Tropicana
Lactuca sativa
Plants produce full heads with heavy leaves. Tolerant to tipburn. MT0-30. Also available in organic seed or seed with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Harvest
52d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Tropicana in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 rose →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Tropicana · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
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.
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
Lavender
Repels aphids, moths, and other pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Marigolds
Deters nematodes and aphids, adds vibrant color contrast to rose garden
Catmint
Repels aphids, ants, and rodents while attracting beneficial insects
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent black spot and powdery mildew on roses
Alliums
Repel aphids, thrips, and other rose pests through strong sulfur compounds
Clematis
Provides vertical interest and shares similar soil and sun requirements
Salvia
Attracts beneficial insects and provides complementary blue-purple blooms
Hostas
Provides ground cover and contrasting foliage texture at rose base
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits rose growth and can cause wilting
Large Trees
Compete for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade that roses need
Brassicas
Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may stunt rose growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Corky Root (Intermediate)
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, Japanese beetles
Diseases
Rust (occasional), powdery mildew in humid conditions