Red Deer Tongue Lettuce

Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa 'Red Deer Tongue'

Also Known As

Lactuca sativa 'Red Amish Deer Tongue'
Red Amish Deer Tongue Lettuce

Plant type

annual / biennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6"-10"
W: 8"-12"

planting zones

1-12

Red Deer Tongue Lettuce plant details

Red Deer Tongue Lettuce is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial fruit / vegetable with green and red foliage. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and high - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Red Deer Tongue Lettuce

Plant type: annual / biennial fruit / vegetable
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green and red
Mature size: 8 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 10 IN - tall
Uses: edible

GROWING CONDITIONS for Red Deer Tongue Lettuce

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: high - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

'Deer Tongue' Lettuce has been around since mid 1700's & its ruggedness made it very popular in pioneer kitchen gardens. The Amish then selected this vigorous form around 1840. With triangular red blushed leaves & a thick crunchy midrib, it has a pronounced sweet & nutty flavor that perfectly complements 'Buttercrunch' lettuce in salads. The leaves are usually harvested by cutting them all off & then waiting for the next flush of leaves. It resists the bolting & bitterness that make many other lettuces unsuitable for the Summer. Grow 5-6" apart in good garden soil & water consistently.