Rouge D'Hiver Lettuce, 1840 French Heirloom, Organic, Ark of the Taste Variety

The story of Rouge d'Hiver (literally translated as "Red of Winter") begins in the historic market gardens of France. It is a pre-1885 heirloom that was famously documented in the seminal horticultural text The Vegetable Garden (1885) by the legendary French seed house Vilmorin-Andrieux.

Historically, it was bred specifically for the European "winter market." French gardeners perfected this variety to be grown under "cloches" (glass bells) or in cold frames during the damp, chilly winters of Paris and the surrounding countryside. Because of its incredible ability to withstand frost without losing its sweet, non-bitter flavor, it became the gold standard for fresh greens in the off-season. Today, it remains a favorite of "Slow Food" enthusiasts and market gardeners for its vintage pedigree and unparalleled cold tolerance.

• Exceptional Cold Hardiness: One of the most frost-tolerant lettuces available; it can often survive temperatures as low as 15–20°F with minimal protection.
• Gourmet Flavor & Texture: Unlike the stiff, fibrous Romaine found in grocery stores, Rouge d'Hiver is remarkably tender with a sweet, buttery crunch.
• Visual Showstopper: The deep bronze-red tips provide a stunning color contrast in salads and look beautiful as an ornamental border in the garden.
• Versatile Harvest: Can be harvested as "baby greens" in just 4 weeks or allowed to mature into full, semi-open heads.
• Bolt Resistant: While it loves the cold, it is surprisingly slow to bolt (go to seed) when the temperatures begin to rise in late spring.

1. Sowing the Seeds:
Lettuce seeds are small and prefer cool soil to germinate.

• When: Sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall/winter harvest.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
• Tip: Lettuce seeds require light to stimulate germination; do not bury them deeply. Just a light dusting of soil or vermiculite is perfect.

2. The Perfect Location:
Rouge d'Hiver thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil. In the heat of summer, it appreciates Partial Shade to keep the leaves cool and sweet. In the fall and winter, plant it in the brightest spot available to maximize light absorption.

3. Maintenance:

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 8–10 inches apart for full heads, or sow thickly for "cut-and-come-again" baby greens.
• Watering: Lettuce has shallow roots. Keep the soil consistently moist. If the soil dries out, the leaves can become bitter.
• Mulching: A thin layer of straw or compost around the plants will keep the roots cool and prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves.

The broad, sturdy leaves of Rouge d'Hiver are perfect for wraps and tacos. Because of its Romaine heritage, it holds up beautifully to heavier dressings like Caesar or creamy balsamic. For a truly French experience, toss the leaves with a simple vinaigrette of Dijon mustard, shallots, and walnut oil.

Garden Tip: If you are expecting a hard freeze, cover your Rouge d'Hiver with a simple frost blanket or a clear plastic tunnel. You’ll be amazed to find perfectly crisp, red-tipped leaves ready for harvest even when the rest of the garden is sleeping! ❄️🇫🇷🥗