Lettuce Romaine Winter Density is a venerable 19th-century French heirloom historically known as Craquerelle du Midi, delivering exceptional cold-season performance and remarkable productivity. This non-GMO variety produces densely packed heads with deeply colored dark green leaves that develop a notably robust, complex flavor as temperatures cool. The tightly folded leaf structure creates a naturally compact plant that maximizes garden space efficiency while providing substantial harvests. Winter Density earned its name through proven resilience — thriving when many other lettuce varieties have long since succumbed to frost or cold.

Germination Rate: 89%. Test Date: 12/25. TLM.

Why Choose Lettuce Romaine Winter Density?

• 19th-Century French Heirloom: Known historically as Craquerelle du Midi — one of the oldest and most respected cold-hardy romaine varieties in cultivation.
• Exceptional Cold Tolerance: Thrives well into autumn and early winter when most lettuce varieties have bolted or succumbed to frost — a true season extender.
• Dense, Compact Heads: Tightly folded dark green leaves form a substantial, upright head — more like a mini cos lettuce than a standard open romaine.
• Complex Cold-Weather Flavor: Flavor deepens and sweetens with cooler temperatures — the cold actually improves this variety rather than degrading it.
• Space Efficient: Compact plant habit makes Winter Density one of the best romaine varieties for dense planting, raised beds, and containers.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years — save seeds year after year.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade — 4–6 hours per day. In warm climates, afternoon shade extends the harvest window before bolting.
• Soil: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Amend with compost for best leaf production.
• Planting: Direct sow ⅛ inch deep in early spring or, ideally, late summer/early fall for a winter harvest. Can start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks.
• Spacing: Thin or transplant to 8–10 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Compact habit allows closer spacing than most romaine varieties.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist — lettuce is shallow-rooted and dries out quickly. Water gently to avoid disturbing seedlings.
• Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea every 2–3 weeks to support rapid, lush leaf growth.
• Cold Protection: Extend the season further with a low tunnel or row cover — Winter Density handles light frosts well, and a cover can push harvest into early winter in many zones.
• Harvesting: Ready in approximately 54–60 days. Harvest full heads by cutting at the base, or take outer leaves for cut-and-come-again production. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.

Why Choose David’s Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David’s Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David’s Garden Seeds® holds a valid Vegetable Seed License, ensuring our seeds meet state and federal quality standards.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.

Cooking Methods & Uses

• Caesar Salad: The ideal romaine for Caesar — the dense, upright leaves hold dressing beautifully and provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Grilled Romaine: Halve heads lengthwise and grill cut-side down for 2–3 minutes for a warm, slightly charred salad with smoky depth.
• Lettuce Wraps: Sturdy outer leaves make excellent natural wraps for Asian-style fillings, grilled proteins, or grain-based salads.
• Wedge Salad: Quarter the compact heads for a dense, impressive wedge salad with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Braised: Halve and braise in chicken broth with herbs for a classic French preparation that transforms this lettuce into an elegant cooked side dish.
• Soups: Add shredded leaves to hot soups in the last minute of cooking for a mild, silky green that adds body and nutrition.

Order Winter Density Romaine Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh Winter Density romaine in your fall and winter gardens.

Nutritional Information

Applies to harvested romaine lettuce (not planting seeds). Per 2 cups (94g) shredded romaine lettuce:

• Calories: 16
• Total Fat: 0.3g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 9mg (0% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 2.8g (1% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1.9g (7% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1.2g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Vitamin A: 205mcg (23% Daily Value)
• Vitamin K: 96mcg (80% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 13mg (14% Daily Value)
• Folate: 128mcg (32% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates for harvested leaves from mature romaine lettuce plants.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Cold tolerance is exceptional but not unlimited — hard freezes below 28°F will damage unprotected plants. Use row covers to extend the season further. Results may vary by growing conditions and climate.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored lettuce seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Grown as a cool-season annual in all USDA zones. Especially well-suited for fall and winter production in Zones 5–11. In Zones 9–11, plant October–March for best performance.

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