OPTIMA
Product Description:
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Key Features:
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Customer Reviews
I can’t seem to get these seeds to sprout. I’ve got other lettuce I’ve planted and they’re 3-4” more and nothing from the optima. Very disappointed.
So sorry to hear that! We do germ test all of our seeds and to ensure we sell only top performing seed, we have established germination standards that are higher than prescribed by the Federal Seed Act. Our minimum germination standard for lettuce is 80% and the most recent test for this variety passed at 97%. As always, our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com
The first round of this lettuce I started indoors had a terrible germination rate and looked weak once the true leaves appeared. I kind of lazily planted the ones that grew and forgot about them. A month or so later, whoa! The most beautiful heads of lettuce with huge leaves. I’ve started another set and the same slow germination is occurring (same seed packet). For reference, the tray with actual seedlings is Marshall Romaine that was started the same day a week ago. I’ll be patient though because optima is worth it! Four stars simply because germination rate is so low for lettuce.
Really poor germination rates with this particular variety, meanwhile the other lettuces I've grown this year are going strong. This must have been a bum batch of seed and after three attempts I'm officially giving up (and ditching the rest of the seeds). So it goes!
So sorry to hear that! We do germ test all of our seeds and to ensure we sell only top performing seed, we have established germination standards that are higher than prescribed by the Federal Seed Act. Our minimum germination standard for lettuce is 80% and the most recent test for this variety passed at 97%. As always, our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com
Started these seeds along side several other lettuce varieties and these were complete failures.
Was looking forward to trying them but even the ones that did sprout were totally stunted. They received the same conditions etc as all the others.
So sorry to hear that! We do germ test all of our seeds and to ensure we sell only top performing seed, we have established germination standards that are higher than prescribed by the Federal Seed Act. Our minimum germination standard for lettuce is 80% and the most recent test for this variety passed at 97%. As always, our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com
| Soil Temp for Germ | 40–80°F |
| Seed Depth | ⅛" |
| Seed Spacing | 1" |
| Days to Emergence | 2–15 |
| Thin Plants to | 10–16" |
| Row Spacing | 16–18" |
| Fertilizer Needs | Low |
| Minimum Germination | 80% |
| Seeds per Gram | ≈ 800 |
| Seed Life | 3 years |
Lactuca sativa
Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.
Culture
• Lettuce performs best in cool weather, 60-70°F, and grows in a wide range of soil types
• Plant as early as soil can be worked
• For extended harvest, plant every 2-3 weeks and choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer
• Lettuce seed can be sown every month from February—October
• A cold frame and cold-hardy varieties can stretch the spring and fall growing season into the winter months
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• 1 gram of seed will sow 30 row feet
• Consistent, even watering is critical for best results
Direct Sowing
• Use row cover to improve germination and prevent soil crusting
• As soon as 2-3 true leaves have formed, thin loose-leaf types to 10-14 inches apart; icebergs, butterheads, and romaines to 12-16 inches apart
Transplanting
• Start indoors 4-6 weeks before anticipated transplant date
Insects & Diseases
• Common pests: Aphids and slugs
• Pest control: Strong spray of water for aphids or applications of Pyrethrin or Neem oil, baits, traps, or Cabbage Collars for slugs
Harvest & Storage
• While picking individual leaves helps extend the season somewhat, all eventually become bitter as they begin to bolt
What is pelleted seed?
Seed that has been coated with a clay-based material to form a larger, round shape. This makes planting by hand or mechanical seeder easier and allows for more controlled sowing of small seeds such as carrots or lettuce. All pelleted seed has a National Organic Program (NOP) approved coating.
For best results, store pelleted seed in an air-tight container and use within one season.
What is seed tape?
Seed tapes are perfectly straight rows of precisely spaced crops. No more having to thin seedlings! This biodegradable tape will plant a row 5 meters (16 feet, 5 inches) long. Simply lay it in a furrow and cover with a light layer of sifted compost or soil, water and wait. Save yourself a heap of planting time with these popular vegetable and herb staples.
KEY TO LETTUCE DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
BR | Bottom Rot
DM* | Downy Mildew
F* | Fusarium Wilt
LD | Lettuce Drop
LMV* | Lettuce Mosaic Virus
Nr* | Lettuce Aphid
PM | Powdery Mildew
Rs | Corky Root
TBSV | Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (Lettuce Dieback Complex)
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.
