Alfresco Lettuce Mix is an enticing mix of hardy greens that can be grown in the ground, in a raised bed, or a container on the patio or deck. This nutrient-rich mix of greens includes Arugula, Radicchio, and Endive. The deep greens of the Arugula and Endive make a lovely backdrop for the dramatic reds and purples of the Radicchio. All three lettuces can be picked as cut-and-come-again leaves to keep the plants producing all summer. In the mild climates of USDA zones 8-10, this hardy greens mix grows best in the cool of fall all through the winter.Alfresco Lettuce Mix Care Plant lettuces early in the day when temperatures and the soil are still cool. There will be less transplant shock, and the lettuces will establish quicker. Plant this mix in full sun to semi-shade. Lettuces thrive in partial shade and need protection from the hottest time of the day to reduce risk of bolting. Amend the planting soil with a 1-2 inch layer of organic compost or granular organic vegetable fertilizer. Water well after planting and then provide water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Using a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses helps to water plants more efficiently and get the water right at the root zone. Mulching lettuces with straw will protect the leaves from being splashed with soil and will keep the soil cooler. Pick the outer leaves first to encourage more growth from the center of the plants. Growing Alfresco Lettuce Mix Lettuce takes a short time to be mature enough to harvest. Alfresco Mix ranges from 35-45 days after planting until harvest and can be harvested for weeks. The plants will mature at different rates because of the mix of varieties. Plant new seedlings out after the last frost date in spring.Lettuces are perfect for container growing. Placing the container near a door or patio where they can be harvested easily makes for the freshest food available. Use containers that have excellent drainage and are easy to move to a sheltered location in the fall. Sheltering or even covering this hardy mix of greens early in the fall, before heavy frosts, will extend the harvest.Watering Alfresco Lettuce MixHardy lettuces like this mix can be left to dry slightly in between waterings. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry. Container-grown lettuces will need watering every day during hot, dry weather.Feeding Alfresco Lettuce Mix Use a granular, slow-release fertilizer when planting the lettuce starts. A small amount of fertilizer is released every time the soil is watered. Container-grown lettuces can also benefit from monthly feedings of a diluted fertilizer such as liquid seaweed or fish emulsion. Make sure to keep all fertilizers off of the leaves.Alfresco Mixture Lettuce Plant InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 8 – 10Plant Type: Edible PlantsLight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 8 – 12 InchesMature Spread: 8 – 12 InchesSpacing: 8 – 12 InchesHabit: UprightFlower Color(s): NoneFlower Description: Bloom Period: Foliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): Green, Purple, RedFoliage Description: Multi-ColorSeasonal Interest: N/AWatering: AverageResists: N/ATolerates: N/AAttracts: N/AContainer Role: Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass PlantingFeatures: Foliage Interest, Low MaintenanceBrand: Goodness GrowsCommon Name: Alfresco Mixture Lettuce PlantOther Name(s): Alfresco Mixture LettuceScientific Name: SIMPLY SALAD ‘Alresco’
