Some of you may recall that I began experimenting with growing romaine in the local weather conditions. I initiated this experiment after discovering heat-resistant seeds, but so far, I have not achieved any satisfactory results as the plants have bolted. Recently, I decided to leave the seeds exposed to the harsh weather conditions during germination. At present, they appear promising, and I am hopeful that this attempt will be successful.
I throw shade cloth over my lettuces after spring is ending and temps rise. Seems to put off bolting for me for a bit longer
Thanks Logan, Clay_22 for the suggestion but I don't think that will work. I remembered in 2010 I planted them not in a full sun area and they bolted too. Yes here it is - Romancing the Romaine!! | Page 4 I remembered when I was staying in a organic farm in Luxemburg, we transplanted a few hundred romaine seedlings in summer and that year the temperature was soaring between 35°C to 40°C. Before transplanting we have to cut the leaves in halves and was told that they will have a better chance to survive. They were not shaded. I wasn't there long enough to see them grow to maturity and I am sure they grow well because that is a commercial farm. At the moment my romaine still looking good and I guess I just have to keep my finger crossed and hope for the best.
Thanks Sjoerd, they are doing very well at the moment even though the day temp is 31°C. Yes I'll make a follow up report on any new developments.
The romaine are doing well but they look messy because there was a heavy down pour yesterday. Their is a someone keeping an eye on them.
@KK Ng the hardy maple that you are duly noted and I like your little friend.. he looks very curious. I bet he appreciates all your efforts to grow that terrific garden section full of yummy lettuce. Wow your lettuce pic is mouth watering …nothing like fresh lettuce ..
Thanks Pacnorwest, I enjoy the company of that little fella. Yes fresh lettuce is always yummie! Thank you AnnieKay, I just called that fella friend. You are so right Sjoerd. I think in another week or so they should be ready for the table.
The final result is here. This morning harvested the romaine lettuce to make a salad to accompany our pork steak for lunch. While the romaine is indeed delicious, it does not resemble the picture on the seed packet or typical romaine lettuce. It seems it may be another type of lettuce and not romaine. Anyway I can safely say I can now plant lettuce in this hot tropical climate characterized by hot, humid conditions year-round. I have name my long time gardening friend Lizzie. Thanks Anniekay for prompting me.
Perfect name, Lizzie the Lizard !! I think that your Romane is not really packed full of leaves for the same reason that my Chinese cabbage wasn't packed full either; the temperate being too warm. They just don't, for lack of a better word, "head" well when the weather isn't cold enough, or to their liking.